This video describes the history behind the near-extermination of bison in America, prompted by the United States government as settlers and the railroad moved west in the 1800s.
It addresses the purpose of removing the bison to assist in driving native people off their lands, since they relied on the buffalo for food, clothing, shelter, and tools.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This video provides an interdisciplinary examination of species' population endangerment by considering environmental justice, history, and human pressures.
Excellent photographs and news articles are analyzed and described.
Additional Prerequisites
There are commercials before the video.
Students should be familiar with the term "manifest destiny" and the removal of Indigenous peoples as the American West was settled.
If this source is used in a science classroom, a short discussion of the historical context prior to watching the video will be helpful.
Differentiation
Consider having students rewrite some of the news articles that are referenced from different perspectives: the U.S. Army, an Indigenous person, a U.S. settler, etc.
Have students work in pairs to discuss their thoughts and feelings related to the government's participation in removing an animal so important to Indigenous people. Prompt them with questions to discuss together.
This resource is an 8-minute video that presents the history of bison poaching and hunting in the U.S. in relation to Manifest Destiny colonialism and efforts to eliminate and assimilate Native American peoples. This resource is rather graphic, with depictions of hunting and skinning of bison and discussions of violence perpetrated against Native American peoples. Nonetheless, this resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
English Language Arts
Speaking and Listening (K-12)
SL.6-8.2 Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.
Social Studies
History
History 1 (D2): Students understand major eras, major enduring themes, and historic influences in the history of Maine, the United States, and various regions of the world by analyzing major historical eras, major enduring themes, turning points, events, consequences, and people in the history of Maine, the United States and various regions of the world.
History 1 (D2): Students understand major eras, major enduring themes, and historic influences in United States and world history, including the roots of democratic philosophy, ideals, and institutions in the world by analyzing and critiquing major historical eras: major enduring themes, turning points, events, consequences, and people in the history of the world and the implications for the present and future.
