There are many different American Indian tribes.

The Europeans came and forced them off their land. This led to fighting but they were overpowered by the Europeans who had better weaponry.

Strengths and Resources: They knew the land, they were able to grow crops, were hunters, and they used the Earth as a resource.  

Indian Removal Act: encouraged by President Andrew Jackson, Congress passed it in 1830 which forced the migration of American Indians from their homelands.

Indian Boarding Schools striped children of language, religion, and culture. They were torn between Native culture and American society.

Spoke many different dialects.

Cultural conflict and school mismatch: They were sent to boarding schools to be assimilated into the American culture and striped of their heritage.

They believed that each person was assigned to an animal and their spirit was absorbed into that animal when they passed away. These were carved into totem poles as symbols of their lives.

Median age on reservations is 26, and 36 for entire nation.

The number of students attending college has doubled over the past 30 years.

Migrated through all regions of land.

The highest percentage of American Indians live in Alaska.

They have less reciprocated relationships and a smaller number of in-school friends.

They have lower levels of school connectedness.

Have a significant High school dropout rate.

Emphasis of spiritual and non-material aspects of life over technology can influence the classroom.

Teachers need to be flexible and use real world experiences for students to relate to.