What were the beliefs of the Plains Indians?

Wilf

• To use prior knowledge to explain a source

• To understand the beliefs

• To explain why they were held

Source by George Catlin

• ‘I have heard it said by some very good men and some who have been preaching the Christian religion amongst them, that Indians have no religion but only ignorant superstition. I assert that the North American Indian is everywhere, in his native state, a highly moral and religious being.’

Main Learning

• You need to research Indian beliefs adding to the topics you have already researched

• You can either make a fact file OR

• A mind map

• You could include simple illustrations

• The Heinemann text book is good (p. 23 -25) but you can also use your white text

Include the following

• The Great Spirit and circles

• Medicine and medicine men

• Visions (white book p.35)

• The power of animals

• Ceremonies such as the Sun Dance

Plenary

• Why did Indians believe in the Great Spirit and spirits?

• Why did they believe in the power of circles?• Why were visions important?• Why did they have ceremonies like the Sun

Dance?• So, is Catlin right?