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Paired Texts > The Remarkable and Complex Legacy of Native American Military Service

by Alicia Ault 2020

We've identified these texts as great options for text pairings based on similar themes, literary devices, topic, or writing style. Supplement your lesson with one or more of these options and challenge students to compare and contrast the texts. To assign a paired text, click on the text to go to its page and click the "Assign Text" button there.

The 1897 Petition Against the Annexation of Hawaii
The 1897 Petition Against the Annexation of Hawaii
National Archives

In "The 1897 Petition Against the Annexation of Hawaii," the events that led up to the United States' annexation of the Hawaiian Islands is discussed, as well as native Hawaiians' attempts to maintain their independence.

Pair “The 1897 Petition Against the Annexation of Hawaii” with “The Remarkable and Complex Legacy of Native American Military Service” and ask students to discuss the history of Hawaii’s annexation and Native Hawaiian military service. According to “The 1897 Petition Against the Annexation of Hawaii,” how did colonization and annexation affect the Native Hawaiians and their culture? What information does “The Remarkable and Complex Legacy of Native American Military Service” provide about Native Hawaiians serving in the military? How does learning about the United States’ annexation of Hawaii add to your understanding of the complex relationship between Native Hawaiians and the United States?

11th Grade Informational Text 1360L
The Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre
Digital History

In "The Wounded Knee Massacre," a variety of personal accounts shed light on the violent conflict between the Sioux and American soldiers on December 29, 1890.

Pair “The Wounded Knee Massacre” with “The Remarkable and Complex Legacy of Native American Military Service” and ask students to discuss the historical relationship between the U.S. military and Native Americans. According to “The Wounded Knee Massacre,” what role did the U.S. military play in the massacre and in ending the Ghost Dance movement? According to “The Remarkable and Complex Legacy of Native American Military Service,” what are some reasons that Native Americans choose to serve in the U.S. military? How do some Native Americans rely on their culture and customs while serving? How does understanding the Wounded Knee massacre help you to better understand the complexities of the relationship between Native Americans and the military?

11th Grade Primary Source Document 1000L
Stereotype This
Stereotype This
Melanie Fey

In "Stereotype This" a Native American speaker experiences both the grief and fortitude that they receive from the collective of ancestors long past.

Pair “Stereotype This” with “The Remarkable and Complex Legacy of Native American Military Service” and ask students to discuss the impact of Native American stereotypes. How does the speaker in “Stereotype This” try to resist and dismantle stereotypes about Native Americans? How do Native American veterans try to resist and dismantle stereotypes about Native Americans according to “The Remarkable and Complex Legacy of Native American Military Service”? How do the two texts offer ideas about the deeper historical roots of these stereotypes?

10th Grade Poem