Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee Lesson Plan

Why were the Modocs a more resistant tribe than others in California?

This is an opportunity for students to discuss the fact that lack of exposure to people of other cultures can be an occasion for violent overreaction. They should contrast this to the behavior of the Tainos, who welcomed Columbus to San Salvador.

What was Captain Jack’s initial reaction to the arrival of whites, and how does it differ from his father’s? Why did he react in the way that he did?

Jack welcomes whites because he wants the material goods that they have. His father is vehemently opposed to their arrival and vows to fight to push them back.

What prompted Captain Jack to...