The Connection of Nature to Native American Literature

Native American culture is rich in art, music, spirituality, and nature. This lesson will focus on two different stories that reveal the essence of Native American culture.

Lesson Plan

Since this week’s lesson will focus on nature, have students read “The Night Chant” from the Navajo Ceremony and “Yellow Woman” by Leslie Silko- found in Norton Anthology of World Literature Volume 2. Though each one is unique to its own meaning, they both focus on the way nature impacts their spirituality.  Upon completion of reading, have students draw out a venn diagram and compare and contrast one of these ideas:

  1. How did the main character/host draw out the presence of a spirit?
  2. In what ways did nature play a role?
  3. What is the attitude or tone towards the idea of spirituality in the stories by the main character/host?

The venn diagram is a great way to see similarities and differences in the theme of nature within the Native American Literature. To add onto this lesson, prepare to have students complete this assignment over a few days. This part will involve a Youtube video. Start with watching this video on the Yellow Woman. Have students create a list of 10 questions and answers. On the day of your choice, have students pass their questions to another student so they can answer them. This lesson will prepare students with a better understanding of nature in the Native American culture from the viewpoint of others. Some questions to consider writing down can be:

1. What Native American tribe is mentioned in the story?

2. Where are the tribes located?

3. What was the lead female character afraid of in the beginning of the story, ensuing her night with Silva?

4. How did nature play an important role in her connection with the Yellow Woman?