How Do Treaties Affect the Chippewa and Metis Today?

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This inquiry explores the history and culture of the Chippewa, or Ojibwa, and Metis people through the compelling question, “How do treaties affect the Chippewa and Metis?” The importance of understanding treaties and sovereignty in this inquiry is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand the history and culture of the Chippewa and Metis and (2) students will benefit from understanding how tribal sovereignty shapes and influences contemporary state politics.

While progressing through the inquiry, students will analyze changes occurring in tribal culture and history and speculate future scenarios for tribal and state relations. In doing so, students can better understand the impact of Native American culture and history on the entire state. The terms “Native Americans” and “Native peoples” are used in this inquiry. The terms “American Indians” and “Indians” are used in much of the scholarly literature. Precise tribal names will be used when they are known.

This inquiry is expected to take three class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.

Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprint™
Compelling Question
How do treaties affect the Chippewa and Metis today?
Standards and Practices
ND.6_12.2.1 Describe the structure, role, and formation of tribal governments, both present and past, in North Dakota.
Staging the Question
Who are the Chippewa and Metis? Using maps and websites, identify traditional homelands and compare them to the modern Turtle Mountain reservation.
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
Supporting Question 3
Who are the Chippewa, or Ojibwa?
Who are the Metis?
What was the Red River Colony (also known as the Red River Settlement or the Selkirk Colony)?
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Analyze the featured sources and write a short summary about them.
Analyze the featured sources and write a short summary about them.
Analyze the featured sources and write a short summary about them.
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
  • Internet and library resources
  • Internet and library resources
Summative Performance Task
Argument
How did early treaty making between tribal nations and the United States impact tribal sovereignty? Are treaties intended to be permanent? Construct an argument that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views. Create a poster and present your argument to your class with evidence to support your claims.
Extension
Describe how issues affecting contemporary Native American populations are broader issues that impact non-Natives as well.
Taking Informed Action

Understand: Find an example of a contemporary issue affecting the daily lives of Native Americans at Indian Country Today.

Assess: Determine the intended and unintended consequences of the issue identified. Does this issue affect non-natives as well, or is it focused largely on Native American populations?

Act: Attend a powwow. While there are several held around the state every year, the United Tribes International Powwow in Bismarck draws people from all over the country. Find other opportunities through the North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance.