Looking for active multicultural programs for your students?
Journeys into American Indian Territory presents children's workshops,
courses and day programs
Stimulating, culturally enriching programs
If you're looking for a way for your students to have fun while learning the history
and lifeways of Native Americans, Journeys into American Indian Territory may have just
the answer. These in-house field trips immerse your students in the ways of life of
Native Americans, past and present. The hands-on activities (each geared to a
specific grade level) capture children's attention and imagination, providing a learning
experience they will never forget. By providing first-hand experiences that reflect
the depth of tribal traditions and histories, students move beyond stereotypes to a more
accurate and sensitive understanding of Native Americans as human beings and as important
contributors to the world we know today. Students learn by doing, through activities
that include putting up a tipi or building a wigwam, storytelling, Native games, arts and
crafts, song and dance, and learning history from a Native American perspective.
These programs breathe life into any school unit on Native Americans. Teachers
often note that because of the format and activities, children can absorb more in one day
of this program than in weeks in the classroom. Our handouts (included at no extra
cost) help you in your unit before we arrive, as well as prepare your students for what
they will experience with us. A key theme in all programs is respect.
Traditional stories and teachings show the importance of showing respect, stemming from
one's connection to other people (especially elders), animals, plants, and the earth we
all inhabit.
All programs include a set up of our extensive moving museum
of material culture including clothing, beadwork, porcupine quillwork,
containers, wampum, dolls, drums, and much more.
Culture Areas
1) The Plains Indian Tipi experience: Learning inside the "moveable
classroom." We erect a full-size tipi at your school (outdoor or, space
permitting, indoor--your choice). Sessions take place inside the tipi so students
can learn its role in the lifeways of Plains Indians, both in the past for housing and its
ceremonial use today. Activities might include:
Introduction to tipi etiquette
Craft activities, such as making pouches, shields, parfleches
Round Dance or Snake Dance
Children singing a traditional song
Myths and traditional tales
Playing the hand game
2) Eastern Woodlands: Native Peoples of Our Region.
This program includes an introduction to the physical environment of our region prior to
European contact and an understanding of how the Algonquian-speaking and
Iroquoian-speaking Indians of the area
developed ways to survive. Students learn, through group interactive projects, the
role that cooperation plays in survival. Activities might include:
Construction of an outdoor wigwam
Introduction to the environment from Native perspective
Stone tool technology
Craft activities, such as making Woodland style pottery and wampum
Discussion of Native American medicines; children sample a tonic
"tea"
Traditional game
Program offerings include:
Assemblies
Grade levels programs (from 1 to 5 days)
Schoolwide presentations
Overnights
For more information, please contact:
Robert Vetter
PO Box 575
Eastport, NY 11941
Or call 631-878-8655
info@indianjourneys.com
Fax 631-878-4518
