Last updated: February 18, 2022
Lesson Plan
Native Art and Activism of the Grand Canyon
- Grade Level:
- High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 90 Minutes
- State Standards:
- HS.H4.1, HS.H4.4, HS.G2.1, HS.G2.3, HS.G2.4
Essential Question
How can art lead to activism?
Objective
Students will:
Learn about Indigenous artists who have connections to the Grand Canyon and affiliated tribal communities.
Learn about different forms of Native Art in Southwestern America
Write and discuss the connections between art, activism, and community.
Preparation
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The Articles and videos
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Writing materials
Materials
Lesson Hook/Preview
Have students discuss how art is important to their culture. Why is this important to them? What significance does it hold?
Procedure
Engage:
Have students read the “Indigenous Art and Activism” article. Create space for students to ask questions about anything in the article and write down the questions.
Explore and Explain:
Have students -
Watch the video from History Behind the Art about Pottery and this Video about Nampeyo’s pottery.
Watch this video on the Desert View Tower starting at 6:40 and ending at 8:25 and this video from history behind the arts about painting.
Watch this video of History Behind the Art about Textile Weaving and this video on We’Wha’s legacy.
Watch this video of History Behind the Art about Basket Weaving and have students listen to the podcast featuring tribal council woman Ophelia Watahomigie-Corliss.
Elaborate:
Have students choose one artist to write a short paragraph answering the following questions:
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What art form was important to this artist?
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How did this artist uplift their community?
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Why is both art, representation and activism important when learning about this individual?
Have students discuss the connections between art and activism. When else in history have important artists helped to represent and make change for marginalized communities?