Introduction
This digital assignment allows the student to research the amazing life and cultural landscape of the Southern California Cahuilla Indian Tribe. In our current novel "Counting By 7s," Willow is seeking to discover who she is, but every time she thinks she is close to discovering it through her giftedness, her environment shifts and she finds herself off balance again. Her dream is of being an indian princess and she refers to this tribe and hopeful wish that her new bold friend Mai will belong to it. The Cahuilla tribe has a rich history that they seek to keep alive and pass on to the next generation, and ultimately to the world, who may have forgotten who they are. Happy questing as we journey through the land of the Cahuilla Indians. Please start your digital assignment by watching this short video presentation.
Process
Using the two websites below, answer the following questions:
http://www.bigorrin.org/cahuilla_kids.htm
http://factcards.califa.org/cai/cahuilla.html
1. Using the first website, describe the headgear of the men and women of this tribe.
2. Refer to this hyperlink from one of our links and write down two facts about the cradleboard for Indian babies made famous by Sacagawea. Write down two interesting facts about these baby carriers as part of this research assignment. (Copy and paste this link into your web browser to gather your information.)
http://www.native-languages.org/cradleboard.htm
3. From the second website, answer the following question: What are four things that the Cahuilla Indians traded with neighboring tribes within their region?
4. From the same site as above answer the following question: The two groups of the Cahuilla tribe (Wildcats and Coyotes) believed in the government and leadership within their tribe. How were their village leaders chosen?
5. Using the same site as above, answer the following question: What information on the site either proves or disproves the fact that the Cahuilla Indians were vegetarians?
6. In addition to using bark from the mesquite tree to enjoy our summer barbeques, this miracle tree was used by early native american tribes like the Cahuilla Indians, who believed in using every part of a good tree for some useful purpose. Explore this ancient tree's history and write down four specific uses that the indigenous native american tribes discovered, long before its use became popular in America.
https://cappadonaranch.com/blogs/blogs/the-mesquite-tree-history-s-treasure
7. Using the first website (of our original links) write down the believed origin of the name Cahuilla given to this tribe. How has the connotation of the tribal name changed over the years?
8. Read from this link and the story of the Legend of Tahquitz, which is largely preserved through present-day tribal members. From reading this story, name three beliefs that were probably embraced by the early tribal members and native americans in general.
http://www.furbycabin.com/legend.htm
9. Lastly, we will explore the importance of the sacred Cahuilla bird songs. Listen to the comments in the inset pictures on the video and write down two interesting facts about these songs that may give a clue as to why they have survived as a part of the rich heritage of this tribe.
10. Why do you think, according to the portion of the novel that we have read so far, that Willow hoped that her friend was a member of this tribe, as opposed to some other tribe in this region? What about the things she knew about this tribe do you think she linked with the strength she saw in Mai as she stood up to the counselor that day without fear or trepidation?
Evaluation
Students will be graded on their research skills and their ability to synthesize information using digital resources. This assignment will assist with measuring mastery of standards RI 6.1 and College and Career Readiness Technology skills and associated research standards.
Conclusion
I hope through this assignment that you have developed an understanding of the identity of a people whose pride is displayed in the preservation of their heritage. This tribe does not have but about 450 members today, but they are one of the largest landowners in the Palm Springs Area of California. Their determination to not forget and connect their present with their memories and traditions of the past, make their stories and legends unforgettable.