The First Americans - Letter to the Mayor

Who authored "The First Americans" letter to the Mayor?

• A group of historians

• The Mayor of Chicago

• The Grand Council Fire of American Indians

• A coalition of teachers

What is the main concern expressed in the letter?

• Native Americans were not allowed to attend schools.

• History books portrayed Native Americans unfairly.

• Native American languages were being forgotten.

• Native Americans were not permitted to vote.

According to the letter, how are Native victories in battles often portrayed in history books?

• As heroic efforts

• As peaceful negotiations

• As strategic decisions

• As massacres

What event is highlighted in the letter as being unfairly labeled as a "massacre" by Native Americans?

• The Trail of Tears

• The Battle of the Little Bighorn

• The Wounded Knee Massacre

• The signing of a peace treaty

What cultural contributions of Native Americans are mentioned in the letter?

• Pottery, blankets and stories

• Modern architecture

• Advanced military strategies

• Industrial inventions

What do the authors request be included in school curricula?

• Stories of European settlers

• The truth about Native American history and culture

• Legends about the Wild West

• Accounts of Native American conflicts with settlers

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

How does the letter describe the actions of Native American leaders like Black Partridge and Shabbona?

• As acts of betrayal

• As examples of heroism

• As signs of weakness

• As insignificant events

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

Which of the following is a reason the authors criticize historical narratives?

• They focus too much on geography.

• They portray Native Americans as thieves and murderers.

• They include too many cultural details.

• They do not mention European leaders.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

How does the letter propose changing the teaching of Native American history?

• By omitting stories about battles

• By including Native American handicrafts and achievements

• By focusing only on peaceful interactions

• By using European perspectives exclusively

What is the overall tone of the letter?

• Angry and accusatory

• Indifferent and neutral

• Hopeful and persuasive

• Disappointed and pessimistic

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4