Cultural Heritage is the theme of our book club's current readings. Following Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia Machlachlan and Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen, we used biographies of Native American leaders to prepare poster reports about each of their lives. Here's what Adam wrote about Nez Perce Chief Joseph (pictured above):
"Chief Joseph was a member of the Nez Perce tribe. They lived in Oregon Territory and provided food, shelter, and horses to the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. Bushes, trees, and wetlands grew on their land. Chief Joseph was both a peaceful man and a warrior. He fought for his land when the bluecoats attacked. He thought about why he was doing this, and he thought it was his land. Chief Joseph moved his tribe through Wyoming on their way to Canada to meet Sitting Bull. Chief Joseph was captured by the bluecoats. In the battles, many men, women and children died. When Chief Joseph surrendered he said, "I will fight no more forever." Over 9,000 Nex Perce Indians died in battle. Chief Joseph died in jail."
During the holidays, our literature circle will be reading about the experiences of children who were early immigrants to America and researching the cultural history of our own families.
