Through interpretation of public works of art, students discover historical context of the early fur trade between the Osage Indians and the French, the importance of early trails in today’s transportation routes, aspects of Osage clothing and material culture, and the eventual loss of Osage ancestral lands.
Students will apply the concept of public art to their own community and its heritage, discovering existing works, designing their own mural to fit local community; research the process of creating large-scale murals.
Students read biography of prominent French trading family and answer key questions on economics of trade and cultural impact on region and Osage.
First brainstorm on own, then review pro and con outline of impact of trade with Europeans on Native Americans (and the ecosystem), then take one side and write persuasive essay with supporting evidence.