Menominee Dream Quest
by
Wendy A. Boivin
Rochelle "Shelly" Warrington
Connie Chevalier
Introduction:
You have been reading a great book about Native Americans, you've learned that not all Indians greeted the pilgrims. Some tribes didn't live close to or even know pilgrims existed. There were many different tribes each with their own origin story, history, legends, types of clothing, foods, dwellings, traditions and customs. You want to keep reading, but it's late and you can't keep your eyes open anymore. When your eyes open again, you're not on the bed, in your room, not even indoors. Where are you? Is this real or a dream? The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin believed dreams were very important, and real. They could receive guidance, knowledge, and direction in life from their dreams.
Posoh, weyak - esekew! "Aneq nap?", was that me, I can understand! Where am I? Am I dreaming? You can receive this old knowledge too, if you are brave and "click" around!
Tasks:
A) You need to know your way around. Find the political and natural boundries of Wisconsin and the Upper Penninsula.
B) From your travels, you will learn that the Menominee Indian Tribe are one of the original habitants of Wisconsin and still inhabit Wisconsin today.
C) You will understand the traditions, customs, values, myths and legends that came from the traditional Menominee connection with the environment.
D)You will read some myths and legends that taught values and explained a natural phenomenon, then explain a value or natural phenomenon through your own myth or legend.
E) You will connect the idea of environmental conservation with the traditional Menominee way of life and show examples of this through their use of tools, food, homes and dress.
F) You will be able to become a friend with a modern day Menominee Indian child.
Process:
The steps to complete this process are as follows:
1. Students will brainstorm in a large group. K W L. Making a list of everything they Know about the Menominee Indians. Then make a list of What they would like to learn about Menominee Indians
2. Three (3) groups of students are to make relief maps of Wisconsin:
A) Political and natural boundries of Wisconsin.
B) Menominee territory prior to 1800 within the state of Wisconsin.
C) Menominee Reservation today within the Wisconsin boundries.
*These maps should show major rivers, lakes, and have a key.
3. Students will read origin (creation) story, some myths and legends of the Menominee Indian. Then create a myth or legend to explain a value or natural phenomenon.
4. Students will break into small groups and research one of the items below and make a diarama or a creative display. The following are examples of topics for this project:
- tools/weapons
- transportation
- food
- homes
- dress- applique or dance outfits
- plants - with uses
5. Large group - make a museum display from all of the materials and give tours to other classes.
6. Become pen pals or E - mail pals with modern day Menominee children. This may be done in a large group.
Resources:
For this WebQuest you may use books, magazines, charts, encyclopedias and resources included in your library. You are strongly encouraged to use the websites listed in this resource section to fulfill your WebQuest on the Menominee Indians. If you know a Menominee who resides in your area, try a personal interview.
Click on Menominee Nation College to learn more about Menominee legends and folklore.
You will see pictures of Menominee nation click here.
The following websites contain information about background and Menominee history:
1. Menominee Indian History click here.
3. Menominee history click here Posoh!
5. Menominee origin story, Sturgeon feast and history click here.
The following are sites that contain information about textiles Menominee Indians used:
1. Beads and tools are at this website.
2. Stonebeads and pendants are at this website.
3. Beadwork,Leather,Porqupine Quills, click here
4. To look at Menominee textiles and crafts click here.
5. Click here to look at information about birchbark, branches, twigs and roots, cattails,cornhusks, indegenous plants and wigwams.
Evaluation/Assessment:
Teacher - for an evaluation tool check out this rubric.
Teacher - for a teachers guide click here.
Teacher - for a Menominee... comparision chart .
Conclusion:
After completing this WebQuest you will have a better idea of the Menominee Indian people past and present.
1. The students will regroup and finish K W L , what they've Learned.
2. If your school has the technology, you may wish to E - mail a 4th grade student from the Keshena Primary School.
3. Teachers may wish to E - mail a critique of the project to Keshena Primary School, with suggestions on improvements, positives, extension, or information they would like.