The Ghost Dance

Worksheet Description

This Indigenous People’s Day worksheet is centered on the historical Ghost Dance movement. The Ghost Dance was a spiritual and cultural practice that emerged among Native American tribes in the late 19th century. It was a dance and religious movement spurred by the prophetic teachings of Wovoka, a Paiute leader, who envisioned an end to white expansion, the return of the buffalo, and the reunion of the living with spirits of the dead in a world free of suffering.

The worksheet invites students to delve into this significant part of Indigenous history by answering questions about the origins of the Ghost Dance, its cultural significance, and its implications for the lifestyle of Native American peoples. It further explores the impact of Wovoka’s leadership and the transformative nature of the dance, which was believed to bring about a vision of hope and renewal for oppressed communities. This educational activity not only serves as a tool for historical inquiry but also encourages respect and understanding for the rich and complex tapestries of Native American resilience and spirituality.