Path of the Bison

Worksheet Description

The worksheet provides a historical fiction account which is set in the heart of the vast North American plains during the 19th century. It tells the story of the Lakota Sioux tribe, whose way of life is deeply connected to the land and the bison herds, and how they face the challenges brought by the westward expansion of the United States. As settlers encroach on their lands, the Lakota, led by figures such as Chief Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, resist the loss of their territory and the threat to their way of life, culminating in the significant battle of Little Big Horn in 1876.

The worksheet is intended to teach students about the impact of American westward expansion on Native American tribes, specifically the Lakota Sioux. It illustrates the cultural and physical conflicts that arose from the clash between indigenous ways of life and the push of American settlers. Furthermore, it highlights the resilience and determination of the Lakota people as they fight to preserve their traditions and land. The narrative also aims to prompt reflection on the broader themes of resistance and adaptation in the face of overwhelming change.