Teaching Elementary Civics – Annenberg Classroom

Who Lived Here First?: Introduction to Indigenous Peoples and Land Sovereignty

Students will learn about the history of Native Americans as the original inhabitants of North America, understanding that Indigenous peoples lived here long before the United States existed and that their diverse cultures and communities continue to thrive today. Through a read-aloud of “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,” interactive digital map exploration, and collaborative writing activities, students will identify which Indigenous nations historically lived on the land where their school stands, examine how tribal territories differ from modern state boundaries, and create both a class and individual land acknowledgment expressing gratitude and respect for the Native peoples who were here first, developing an understanding of Indigenous history, land sovereignty, and the importance of honoring Native communities.

Grades: K-2

Required Time: 55 minutes

Learning Strategy:

Primary document
Interactive Map Analysis
Read-Aloud with Discussion
Modeled Writing

Downloadable Materials:

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to…

Use maps to learn more about the land they live on and the Native American groups who lived there first.
Recognize the diversity of tradition, cultures, and languages that have been a part of America’s history from the start.
Understand that every place in the U.S. is the homeland for one or more Native nations.
Identify connections between history, tradition, culture, and place.
Analyze the key features of a map (title, legend, compass etc.