Follow these Essay Assignment Guidelines and the Essay Grading Rubric. Consult the Course Syllabus and Canvas and below this assignment description for the assignment due date.
Intergenerational Trauma and Healing provides multinational and multi-ethnic perspectives on the sources, effects, and modes of healing of intergenerational trauma among diverse communities; “Putting Down Roots” (from Braiding Sweetgrass…Links to an external site.) reflects a land-based process of healing from historical and ecological traumas; the classic transcription of Black Elk’s Vision, Black Elk Speaks…Links to an external site. offers readers insights not only into Indigenous worldviews (there are many) but also into dominant society values from the historical experience of one who experienced the culmination of ‘The Indian Wars’ in the Northern Plains and their devastating aftermath; Will the Circle Be Unbroken?…Links to an external site. provides an introduction (and case studies, not assigned) to the restorative justice movement as an ‘alternative’ to retributive justice based in Indigenous values and practices—a possible path to healing intergenerational trauma and the ongoing systems of inequality and exploitation that continually contribute to ongoing trauma in Indigenous communities; “Navajo Nation Peacemaking Program”Links to an external site. offers a summary and case study of an Indigenous (Diné) restorative justice program administered by a Tribal Government.
The five readings assigned include the following:
- Chapters 1-6 in Intergenerational Trauma and Healing
- “Putting Down Roots” in Braiding Sweetgrass
- “Foreword,” “Introduction,” and Chapter 3: “The Great Vision” in Black Elk Speaks
- “Introduction” in Will the Circle Be Unbroken?….
- “Navajo Nation Peacemaking Program”
One idea that pervades all of these readings is the significant difference between Indigenous, other BIPOC, and other marginalized and exploited communities’ values, lifeways, and perceptions, and those of dominant society. Dominant society values, lifeways, and perceptions have been fundamentally shaped by white and male supremacy, market capitalism and economic stratification, and Judeo-Christian monotheism.
In this essay assignment, write a comparison and contrast essay in which you explore the differences between Indigenous and Western worldviews (values, lifeways, perceptions). Drawing on the texts listed above, present three major differences to compare and contrast. Make sure to incorporate information from at least three of the five readings (in addition, you can draw on the Thanksgiving address, but not in place of a reading). Use specific examples in the form of paraphrasing and quotations (along with citations) to demonstrate knowledge of the texts.
After this comparison and contrast aspect of the essay, discuss how we (and/or you), could “restore the kinship worldview” or mend the sacred circle in our society and/or in our lives. What actual steps could we/you take to integrate the Indigenous worldviews you identified into our daily lives (consider micro, meso, macro, and/or global levels)? I am not suggesting that you appropriate (steal or copy) American Indian or other ceremonies or traditions, but that you look to values lifeways, and perspectives that underly Indigenous or other practices and apply what you have been learning to our lives/your life today.
Grading Rubric:
- Compare/Contrast at least three differences between Indigenous and Western worldviews (values, lifeways, perceptions). (6pts.)
- Compare/Contrast Difference 1 (2pts.)
- Compare/Contrast Difference 2 (2pts.)
- Compare/Contrast Difference 3 (2pts.)
- Discuss how we/you could “restore the kinship worldview” or mend the sacred circle (6pts.)
- Identify at least three helpful aspect(s) of Indigenous or other worldviews (3pts.)
- Discuss how we/you might apply these in our/your life today (3pts.)
