Becoming a Native Knowledge 360° Educator: American Indian Removal

Welcome to "Becoming a Native Knowledge 360° Educator: American Indian Removal," a unique online course designed for educators worldwide who are committed to fostering crucial conversations about American Indian removal. This course is centered on the online lesson " American Indian Removal: What Does It Mean to Remove a People? " and aims to equip you with the tools and knowledge to teach this complex and vital topic with accuracy, sensitivity, and insight. Course Overview This course provides a unique opportunity for educators to join a global community focused on exploring and understanding the multifaceted history of American Indian removal. Through a blend of video lectures, primary source analysis, reflective activities, and practical classroom strategies, you will delve into the historical context, the diverse experiences of Native Nations, and the ongoing legacies of removal. The course draws heavily on the resources of the National Museum of the American Indian's (NMAI) Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) national education initiative. NK360° provides a transformative approach to teaching and learning about Native Americans, moving beyond simplistic narratives to offer more complete and nuanced perspectives. By the completion of this course, educators will be able to: Read and interpret primary source documents (e.g., letters, speeches, maps) related to American Indian removal. Utilize primary and secondary sources to provide students with diverse perspectives. Apply inquiry-based teaching methods to course materials on American Indian removal. Differentiate between false, incomplete, and more complete narratives. Analyze how narratives shape our understanding of history and culture, particularly concerning Indigenous experiences. Investigate the diverse strategies employed by Native Nations—Muscogee, Potawatomi, Cherokee, Seminole, Kickapoo, Shawnee, and Eastern Cherokee—in response to the threat of forced removal. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate classroom discussions about complex and sensitive issues related to American Indian removal. Create a classroom environment that fosters respectful dialogue and critical thinking about Indigenous experiences. Synthesize knowledge gained throughout the course to analyze the enduring legacy of American Indian removal and its connections to contemporary issues. Course Structure The course is divided into five sections, each building upon the previous one to provide a comprehensive learning experience: Section 1: Course Introduction This section introduces you to the course, the instructors, and the Native Knowledge 360° initiative. You will also learn how to navigate the course platform and engage with the learning materials. Key topics include: An overview of the course objectives and structure. Introduction to the National Museum of the American Indian and Native Knowledge 360°. Guidance on how to use the course materials effectively. Section 2: Narratives This section delves into the concept of "narratives" and how they shape our understanding of history, particularly concerning Indigenous experiences. You will learn to analyze historical texts and visual representations to identify biases, omissions, and dehumanizing portrayals. Key topics include: Defining narratives and their impact on historical understanding. Identifying the characteristics of false, incomplete, and more complete narratives. Analyzing historical examples, such as the painting "American Progress" and textbook excerpts. Strategies for incorporating diverse voices and contemporary Indigenous experiences into the classroom. Section 3: American Indian Removal, Part 1 This section focuses on the history of American Indian removal, with a specific focus on the Muscogee and Cherokee Nations. You will examine primary sources, analyze case studies, and explore the devastating impact of removal. Key topics include: Examining primary sources related to American Indian removal, including opposing perspectives. Analyzing the Muscogee Nation's experience with removal through an interactive case study. Investigating the Cherokee Nation's resistance to removal, also using an interactive case study. Applying teaching strategies to facilitate inquiry-based discussions and integrate primary sources in the classroom. Section 4: American Indian Removal, Part 2 This section explores the diverse strategies employed by six different Native Nations—Potawatomi, Cherokee, Seminole, Kickapoo, Shawnee, and Eastern Cherokee—to avoid removal. You will analyze case studies, engage with primary sources, and develop evidence-based claims about the various resistance strategies used by these nations. Key topics include: Analyzing the strategies used by different Native Nations to resist removal. Examining a case study of the Potawatomi Nation. Utilizing primary sources to construct more complete narratives. Developing evidence-based claims about the resistance strategies employed by these Native Nations. Section 5: Reckoning with the Past, Shaping the Future In this final section, you will synthesize your learning and explore the enduring legacy of American Indian removal. You will engage with contemporary case studies, reflect on the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices, and consider how to take informed action to address the ongoing consequences of removal. Key topics include: Constructing an Evidence Kit to build an argument about the meaning of removal. Examining contemporary case studies that explore modern-day instances of displacement. Assessing the challenges faced by contemporary communities and planning informed action. Reflecting on the importance of amplifying contemporary Indigenous voices. Course Features Engaging Video Lectures: Learn from experts and educators from the National Museum of the American Indian. Primary Source Analysis: Examine historical documents, images, and firsthand accounts. Interactive Case Studies: Explore the specific experiences of various Native Nations through in-depth investigations. Reflection Activities: Deepen your understanding through personal reflection and discussion prompts. Practical Classroom Strategies: Acquire tools and techniques to effectively teach about American Indian removal. Community Forum: Connect with educators from around the world to share insights and experiences. Access to Native Knowledge 360° Resources: Explore a wealth of online materials from the National Museum of the American Indian. Who Should Enroll This course is designed for: K-12 educators Museum professionals Curriculum developers Anyone interested in learning more about American Indian history and culture Join Our Community "Becoming a Native Knowledge 360° Educator: American Indian Removal" offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, enhance your teaching practices, and become part of a global community committed to promoting accurate and respectful representations of Native American history and culture. Enroll today to begin your journey toward becoming a more informed and effective educator. 36:T415, By pa

• Gain a deeper understanding of American Indian Removal: Explore the historical context, key events, and lasting consequences of the forced displacement of Native Nations.
• Analyze narratives: Learn to differentiate between false, incomplete, and more complete narratives to better understand how history is represented and interpreted.
• Examine primary sources: Work with documents, images, and testimonies to gain firsthand insights into the experiences of Native peoples.
• Incorporate Native perspectives: Discover strategies for centering Indigenous voices and representing contemporary Native life in the classroom.
• Develop effective teaching strategies: Acquire practical tools and techniques for facilitating respectful and informed discussions about American Indian removal.
• Connect historical events to contemporary issues: Explore modern-day examples of displacement and consider the ongoing impact of historical injustices.