Woodland Indians Family Life
Family
Family was and is very important in American Indian culture. American Indians use the symbol of a circle to describe this kinship. The family is a circle with each member playing an important role. Our lives are a circle. The seasons of the year form a circle. In the past as well as today, American Indian children are cared for by a circle of relatives.
Women were responsible for the home and men were the providers and protectors. Many times, these roles were reversed. Both men and women have been warriors, hunters, teachers, medicine people, and leaders who offer their gifts to the community.
Girls and women learned to gather food. They helped skin animal hides, make clothing, pots, and baskets. They learned to do well in sports because it made them strong and fast. Boys and men learned to hunt and fish. They practiced their hunting skills by bringing home meat for their family and village often.
Women were responsible for the home and men were the providers and protectors. Many times, these roles were reversed. Both men and women have been warriors, hunters, teachers, medicine people, and leaders who offer their gifts to the community.
Girls and women learned to gather food. They helped skin animal hides, make clothing, pots, and baskets. They learned to do well in sports because it made them strong and fast. Boys and men learned to hunt and fish. They practiced their hunting skills by bringing home meat for their family and village often.
Children were expected to watch, participate, and learn from their families. The usual way for a child to learn a new skill from an adult or elder was to observe over a long period of time and then begin to take part in the activity. Sometimes while children were watching and learning, adults would tell stories. Children were expected to listen quietly, even if the stories took hours to tell!
Elders have a very special place in American Indian families. Grandmothers and grandfathers were respected for their wisdom, knowledge, patience, and generosity. Many times, they were responsible for helping pass along important traditions through storytelling.
Elders have a very special place in American Indian families. Grandmothers and grandfathers were respected for their wisdom, knowledge, patience, and generosity. Many times, they were responsible for helping pass along important traditions through storytelling.
Question: What were the roles of American Indian family members?
Task #1: Think about your family. How is your family alike and different from American Indian families?Talk with your partner(s). Then make a "Popplet" on your IPad showing the jobs of the Woodland Indians children, women and men.