Empowering Global Citizens

Activity 6.7.2

Code Talkers

In this activity, students are taken back through history by exploring the
web page “Native Words, Native Warriors,” . (See http://www.nmai.si.edu/
education/codetalkers/.) Students are introduced to the American Indian
code talkers in the First World War. Students write an op—ed that answers
the following questions:

— What was the role of the American Indian code talkers (From the
Navajo community)?

— Was the treatment of the code talkers and the lack of recognition of
them after the war fair or unfair?

— What were some of the difficulties they had in finding jobs after re—
turning from the war? How do you think leaving their native com—
munities (which many had to do) affected them?

— Why did it take until 2000 for them to get recognition?

— What are the other ways beyond medals that the code talkers could
be honored, respected, and remembered?

Activity 6.7.3

Sovereignty

This particular unit begins with a simulation wherein the teacher divides the
students into groups representing nationalities (fictitious ones or real ones based
on the nationalities of the students). Each group is asked to come up with a list
of things common to its culture. Such a list could include the language used at
home, the customs and festivals, and art and other forms of cultural expression.

The teacher then systematically introduces some situations in which certain
groups are marginalized and are not allowed to express their freedoms and
their culture in specific ways or are denied essential rights. The teacher asks
the students to reflect on whether that practice is fair or unjust (and why),
on how it makes them feel, and on how amends could be made.

217