WHITE OUTS
Teacher Directions: Students in small groups will read the provided background and primary source excerpt that has been redacted. Students will discuss the redactions and attempt to identify the correct missing word by using context clues.
Student groups can then share the passage as written with their word guesses.
It is recommended that page 2 and 3 are printed for students. The unredacted quote is provided for teachers on page 4.
White Out: LaDonna Harris
Read the provided context paragraph, then read the provided passage that has “whited out” words. Discuss with your group what words would appropriately and accurately complete the passage.
Context: In the late 1960’s the Civil Rights movement was in full swing. One branch of the movement was centered on Indigenous rights and power. The excerpt you are about to read is from the Nishnawbe News, an internationally distributed newspaper created by the Organization of North American Indian Students at Northern Michigan University. The article, dated November 1971, is title LaDonna Harris Urges Political Involvement of Indians and Unified Acts. LaDonna Harris was a key leader in the Indigenous rights movement. The article reports about LaDonna Harris’s presentation at the First Annual Indian Awareness week held on the Northern Michigan University Campus during October of 1971.
Excerpt
“The melting pot myth has to be broken up,” she said.
“We are distinctly different kinds of people. When we recognize this, we will be better off.
“We have actually destroyed people by getting them to destroy their identity. All the years the federal government has tried to assimilate and integrate the Indian hasn’t worked. We’re still here. The melting pot concept destroyed generations - my mothers generation.” she concluded.
Excerpt Answer Key
“The melting pot myth has to be broken up,” she said.
“We are distinctly different kinds of people. When we recognize this, we will be better off.
“We have actually destroyed people by getting them to destroy their identity. All the years the federal government has tried to assimilate and integrate the Indian hasn’t worked. We’re still here.The melting pot concept destroyed generations - my mothers generation.” she concluded.
[The Nishnawbe News November 1971], in the Collection of "The Nishnawbe News" newspaper, MSS-266, Central Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan University Archives, Northern Michigan University.