Goal
To increase awareness of historic and contemporary prejudices toward Native Americans and other indigenous populations.
Assignment
Ask students to take the Native IQ Test and write a 2-3 page paper answering the following questions:
- How many test items did you get correct?
- Were you surpised by any of the information you read?
- Was genocide committed against Native Americans?
- Should Columbus Day be celebrated in the U.S.? Why or why not?
- Should Indian team mascots be allowed? Why or why not?
- Why are stereotypes and prejudice toward Native people so common?
- If you are non-Native and live on land formerly occupied by Native people, are you an accomplice to theft? A beneficiary?
- If you are non-Native and have ignored injustice toward Native people, is this a form of prejudice?
Variation
Instead of requiring a paper, instructors may simply ask students to test their Native IQ and be prepared to answer the questions above in class.
