Immigration and migration from different countries around the world in the early 1800s forced the relocation of Native Americans in New York State.  We as  teachers, need to explain to the  children about reservations, and how they have changed over the years.

Reservation by definition means: an area of land set aside for Native Americans.  This quote on the black board is a great way to begin a discussion or as a journal prompt a great way to find out the prior knowledge of your students on this subject.

There are many great books to read about the Native American culture, but check out the following website to avoid some titles that you are probably using even now!  This site not only tells you the titles, but goes in to great length, the problems with the books.  http://oyate.org/books-to-avoid/index.html

If you can integrate your Native American unit into a music class, try this website http://www.ohwejagehka.com/   It not only shows the dance steps, but you can play the music from this site also.

One of the best, yet little known museums in New York State is the Six Nations Indian Museum in Onchiota, NY (near Lake Placid).  It was set up and run by John Kahionese Fadden, a Mohawk who happen to have taught at Saranac Lake High School for 33 years.  The museum is an excellent field trip for your children for sure, but in case you are too far from there to visit with your class, please try to include it in your personal summer plans, as the place is just brimming with artifacts and he with stories. It is a wonderful way to get the history of our area through the eyes of a Mohawk.