1. Paired Texts “Would We Be Killed?” “Life on the Rez”
Common Core Focus: Main Idea and Text-Based Evidence and
Supporting Details

2. Main Idea of Section 1 and Details
Although they were wary of white men, Sioux leaders allowed the white men to take their children to save them.
1879 traveled from the Dakotas to Pennsylvania
Ota Kte was one example of a Native child who was removed from his family
Education was their only hope of survival
Children were scared and even feared death
They feared the white men because history had shown them that they should “never trust white men” (disease, seized land)

3. Main Idea of Section 2 and Details
Henry Pratt felt that the only chance of Native survival was to educate them.
Native population went from 1.5 million to 250,000 in less than 100 years
Pratt felt that Native children deserved the same education that white children received
This education included abandoning their tribal ways
“Kill the Indian – save the man”

4. Main Idea 3 and Details
Children were forced to undergo major changes at the American schools.
Had to learn English and recite Christian prayers
Were even beaten (strapped) if they did not speak English
They had to cut their hair and give up their Native dress
Were given itchy wool uniforms and hard leather boots (replaced their moccasins and native robes)
Change names
Education was rigorous, and they learned trades like shoemaking
Obedience was forced upon them (harsh discipline)
Ota Kte was like a “warrior saving his people”
Eventually, sending children to these boarding schools was mandatory and not optional

5. Main Idea 4 and Details
Although the boarding schools closed by 1918, the children who attended were forever changed.
Native parents wanted their children to retain their culture; therefore, they pulled them out of the schools and brought them home
Ota Kte, as well as many others, felt they did not fit in when they returned to their tribes/families
Ota Kte eventually used his “civilized” skills to help his people

6. “Life on the ‘Rez’” Main Idea 1
Many people have misconceptions about Native American life which must be clarified.
Growing up on a reservation is similar to modern American life
Running water, electricity, television
Reservation residents support each other
Lovers of nature like others in America who live in rural communities
Shanice’s family owns five acres of land with a garden and 23 animals

7. Main Idea 2 with Details
Shanice enjoys learning traditions from her tribe.
Beadwork, weaving, “gigging”
Speaking in Native tongue (language) to pass along traditions
Responsible hunting practices (only kill what you can eat; never kill a doe)

8. Section 3 and Details Preserving traditions is important.
Shanice does not want the scary history of Natives to be repeated.
Traditional ceremonies are being preserved and practiced.
Big Time
Indian Days
Native dress (regalia) is worn at these ceremonies.

9. Main Idea 4 and Details
While Natives preserve their culture, they also value a modern education as well as sharing their traditions with outsiders.
Shanice left the “Rez” to attend the University of California, Davis, where the Native population is extremely small
She is sharing aspects of her own culture (deer jerky and slang expressions) and she often wears her beadwork.
She is learning about other cultures (ate sushi)
She dreams of being a veterinarian to help her people (one does not exist on her reservation)
She hopes to inspire her siblings to attend college and be successful as well.