“Could it be that Indians are in trouble? That they are getting in the white people’s way? Could there be someone somewhere — this all-powerful government, for example — who wants to exterminate the Indians?” (page 31)
Have students sit together in a circle and explain to them the importance of the circle to many Indigenous Peoples. In a circle, everyone is equal and of equal importance. Each person has a gift to share and is important and valued. Explain to students that they are going to examine something that may be uncomfortable but that things that make them uncomfortable can also help them grow to understand one another. Students will each take a turn to share their own experiences and discuss a time when they felt happy and then a time when they felt like they were in the way. This can be done all at once or in two rounds depending on how comfortable students are working together and exploring their truths.
Curriculum Connections: Social Sciences, Indigenous Studies
Students can use the statement “One time, I felt in the way when … then one day, I was very happy when …” as needed to help them begin their sharing. Teachers should model how to do this first, and students can use the Right to Pass as well.
