Discuss: Was there any form of representative government or constitutions in North America, prior to Declaration of Independence?
Lead into video- Please note that this video was composed by Native Americans and gives a cultural lens to view the Constitution through. Note their tone and the connotation of certain words used in the video. Ask yourself how much you believe to be true. Take NOTES in your journal as you view the video. Begin your note entry with today's date and the following heading: Iroquois Nation.
Video- http://iroquois-confederacy.purzuit.com/video/uRP8C2xpyEQ.html
Discuss what the video suggests and if you agree or disagree.
Picture- The U.S. seal (show)
- What do the different items in the seal symbolize?
Eagle, arrows, olive branch, etc.
- Share then Discuss- Benjamin Franklin and 13 arrows story (excerpt from this link: http://mybeliefs.co.uk/tag/resolution-331/
Read- Resolution 131 (on overhead screen) http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/hconres331.pdf
- Discuss each section and the use of both the cultural lens and the feminine lens
- Think back to the Pineridge Indian Reservation video we viewed before
- Make note of the dates and number of treaties mentioned (put these in your notes)
- Make note of the specified promises or obligations to the Indian Nation through this resolution
Read (on overhead) & Discuss- Sections of the Iroquois Nation's Constitution
- What were the similarities and differences between their constitution and our constitution? (historical lens)
- What role did women play? (feminine lens)
sections attached below
- Skim pages 154-155 in your textbook: Iroquois Nation Constitution*
*Note that it says "from" above the title. Their constitution is much longer than this excerpt. Skim through this and think about the sections we just discussed on the overhead.
- Read: Declaration of Sentiments of the Seneca Falls Woman's Rights Convention (Elizabeth Stanton) on page 159-160 in your textbook.
Group Activity
Venn Diagram- compare and contrast your reading from these two pieces of literature
iroquois_constitution.doc |