Introducing Montana Native American Literatures

Resources

Program Description

This presentation introduces any of the following works: Two Old Women by Velma Wallis, Counting Coup by Joe Medicine Crow, American Indian Stories by Zitkala-Sa, Wind from an Enemy Sky by D’Arcy McNickle, Killing Custer by James Welch, Fools Crow by James Welch, Playing for the World: 1904 Fort Shaw Indian Girls Basketball Team, The Surrounded by D’Arcy McNickle, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, Perma Red by Debra Earling, or Birthright – Born to Poetry: a Collection of Montana Indian Poetry. A one-to-two-hour presentation might cover one major work, but may include video, picture books, poems and some primary documents. These presentations work for students as well as book clubs, local historical societies, and other community organizations. Susag works directly with individual teachers to create an interactive presentation that can be integrated into whatever the students are currently studying.

Presenter Bio

Dorothea Susag is a retired language arts and Heritage Project teacher, a 1992-93 Christa McAuliffe Fellowship recipient, author of Roots and Branches: a Resource of Native American Literature Themes, Lessons, and Bibliographies, as well as several secondary-level units for the Montana Office of Public Instruction Indian Education. She conducts workshops for teachers and students across the state.