US History:
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
2011 Winter Trimester
Instructor: Ron Buckanaga
1st Hour 10:00-10:55 a.m.
This course will focus on what happened to the indigenous population of the Americas when
the Europeans came to Turtle Island. We will learn the truth in American History from a Native
American perspective. What is happening around the world today in Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan
is the same phenomena that has happened to the indigenous tribes in North America. Most
Native American tribes did not lose their battles militarily, but to starvation and new diseases
introduced to the new world.
We will be using the text, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown, and readings from
Unthinking Columbus, The Next 500 Years. Dee Brown’s book is a classic used in American
universities courses. This course will help prepare students for college research.
Some of the questions that we need to ask ourselves about history are: What impact did losing
the native languages have on the people? How did the Europeans change American Indian
culture? What is cultural genocide? What is historical trauma? What impact did the Manifest
Destiny doctrine have on the extended and family members of American Indian tribes today?
Why am I in a gang? How come the white Europeans never had a sweat?
This course will meet the Minnesota State Standard:
Ø Historical Inquiry: The student will apply research skills through an in-depth
investigation of a historical topic.
The student will be able to:
Ø Evaluate an American History textbook
Ø Discuss what hat happened in major battles in the United States
Ø Demonstrate research skills at the Minnesota Historical Society
Ø Evaluate written passages for inaccuracies
Ø Describe how American Indian tribes worked for peace
Ø Discuss the cultural differences between native people and the Europeans
Ø Discuss the oral traditions and cultural viewpoint of American Indian tribes
Ø Evaluate the 1862 Conflict in Minnesota
Grading: The student will be expected to attend class and complete assignments on time.
25% Midterm; 25% History Panel; & 50% Work Points
