Henry James Memorial School, Simsbury CT
Spend two weeks on the Pineridge and Crow Indian Reservations collecting oral histories to create learning experiences that give students a better understanding of the multiple perspectives surrounding one of their nation's most complicated histories.
One of the most striking lessons I learned was the profound isolation on reservations. While I was aware of this issue, experiencing it firsthand was eye-opening. Simple tasks, like buying groceries, become challenging when stores are over 30 miles away. This difficulty is exacerbated by the fact that 80% of residents live below the poverty line, making such daily activities even more burdensome.
Professionally, I’m more committed than ever to teaching my students about the reservation system and its lasting impacts. Personally, the experience was deeply emotional. Having visited places I’d studied for years, I’ve been grappling with complex feelings that are hard to express even two months later. This experience has profoundly changed me and strengthened my resolve to continue this important work.
One goal of my fellowship was to collect oral histories from reservation residents. However, I quickly realized I needed to adapt my approach. While I met warm, open people, they were hesitant to be recorded on camera, partly due to cultural reasons and partly due to a deep-seated distrust of outsiders. This distrust stems from centuries of broken promises and ongoing challenges they face.
I plan to begin the Indian removal lesson by assigning students to different Indian nations and having them research their history in the reservation system. This will include the students finding each nation's original land and then creating a timeline for their removal
I'm considering creating a program where students collaborate with the local historical society to research and understand the Native history of their community. Local history is often mentioned in teaching standards but frequently overlooked. Immersing students in Native communities can provide insights and knowledge they might not have expected. Connecticut has a rich Native history waiting to be explored, and this project will deepen students' appreciation for their heritage while enhancing t
I have started researching additional funding to continue this work and am connecting with local Native communities, research I can fund myself. I will keep blogging and using social media to share its content. I'm in talks with two church groups interested in my presentations and am scheduling a lecture at the Frederick Franklin 14 Masonic Lodge in Plainville. This fellowship is just the beginning of my journey.
