Curtis, Edward S. Shell ornaments—Quinault. ca. 1913. Photograph. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. https://www.loc.gov/item/93511820/.
Begin this lesson by introducing the values and ideals surrounding how we dress and what we show to others about our personalities through what we wear. Do we wear something that has sentimental value? Does someone we know wear something that is important to them? (This is an ideal time to point out cultural and/or religious norms, such as married couples wearing rings, pastors wearing collars, women wearing hijabs, men wearing yarmulkes, etc.) Most high school students should be familiar with the concept of showing some of our identity through what we wear, how we accessorize, and even how we adapt and change our bodies with piercings and tattoos.
Historically, Native Americans expressed their personal, religious, and cultural identities through wearing regalia—items made from natural materials that are woven, beaded, and painted. Today, most regalia is worn for ceremonies and celebrations.
Source: https://aktalakota.stjo.org/lakota-culture/beliefs-traditions/native-american-clothing/
- Why do people wear items of cultural, religious, or personal importance?
- Why can wearing these items generate controversy?
- What happens when wearing these items may violate dress codes in schools, offices, airports, or other places?
ELA Standard
ELA.SL.11-12.1. Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11–12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Social Studies Standard
SSS1.9-12.5. Explain the challenge and opportunities of
addressing problems over place and time using disciplinary and interdisciplinary lenses.
Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
- Display the source photo. Students discuss what they see, think, and wonder. The following questions may be helpful: How much do you know about Native American cultural dress? What do you know about the Quinault tribe? Based on the photo, can you guess where they may be located? Why?
- Now, view a video that discusses wearing Native American regalia at graduations. Students take notes on what they see and wonder in the video. Possible videos:
- In groups, students share their notes. Then, the groups research ideas or points they find interesting. The research focus will be the focus questions for the source, connecting traditional regalia to modern-day issues.
- After groups complete their research, they present it to the class, inviting discussion.
- Possible Extension: This lesson could be extended in a variety of ways, specifically into the wearing of any cultural significant dress in everyday American life. Students could research some common controversies, why they are controversial, and conduct more classroom discussions or writing about these issues.
Curtis, Edward S. Quinault female head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly left. ca. 1913. Photograph. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. https://www.loc.gov/item/93511822/.