American Indians of the West
The American Indians Series
First contact with American Indians out West came on many fronts. The Spanish encountered the Chumash on the California coast. Centuries later French fur traders met the Nez Perce on the Northwestern plateaus. In this video, students will uncover the mysteries of the Makah whalers in an archeological dig. They will be introduced to the unique way of life of the Miwok tribe and discover the impact of the Gold Rush of 1849 on them and all the Native Peoples of California. The concept of tribal self-government in today's American Indian nations is also included.