Navajo Long Walk

Here is another post that I began on in 2012, but hadn't finished' this one has content added.

Traditional Navajo rugs G. Whittaker 10-2012

The Dine, more commonly known as the Navajo are a major cultural impact on the southwest.  Their reservation is the largest in the world and covers area in several states.  Unfortunately their unique culture and story are not known to many.  

With the advent of the neo-Navajo clothing trend, the Dine were thrust into the spotlight inadvertently, as many people were surprised to find out that the Navajo are a vibrant people who still live in the United States today.

In 2012, my family read Navajo Long Walk together to learn more about that specific part of United States, and Navajo history. The book is a historical fiction that follows the experiences of a Navajo boy and his family as they are forced to relocate. Such fiction is powerful because it can, in many cases, help to paint a more vivid picture than can be done by historical accounts alone.

As part of our study we also read the history of, and cooked Indian Fry Bread. To read the history and recipe for yourself, go here. I feel that it is important to make connections outside of the text whenever possible. With social studies this can mean in a variety of ways, including visiting local historical sites, and making food. Through this process it is much more likely for students to remember content because of the diversity of their experiences, and the connections that they make to the world off the pages.