Green Grass, Running Water Lesson Plan

What messages might King be sending through Eli’s storyline in this section?

Eli’s storyline raises some historical themes that are crucial to Native American history. First, the dam disrupts Eli’s ability to connect with the land of his birth. The land is incredibly important in Native American culture. Many tribes believe the land tells stories and provides protection. The land is dynamic, even alive, and requires care and respect. The company building the dam is only looking for financial profit without consideration of respecting and honoring the land. This is a common trend for Native American tribes past and present. Clifton tells Eli, “Just think of the dam as part...