⬿ All Videos

The Forgotten Slavery of our Ancestors

Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) LandUnangax̂ /Aleut Land
  1. Video
    2.
  2. Classroom Guide
    3.
  3. Land Acknowledgement
    4.

The Forgotten Slavery of Our Ancestors film was produced in 2020 by See Stories and Teaching Tolerance Learning for Justice Director Maureen Costello & the late Educational Consultant Dr. Kate Shuster working with co-producer Alice Qannik Glenn & Director Howdice Brown III.

The Forgotten Slavery of Our Ancestors offers an introduction to the history of Indigenous enslavement on land that is now the United States. As the featured historians point out, the enslavement of Indigenous peoples stretched from Alaska into South America. It predated and helped shape the system of African enslavement in New England, and it lasted until throughout the 19th century in the West. “This,” explains historian Andrés Reséndez, “is our shared history.”

 

Lesson Plans

Conversation Guide: The Forgotten Slavery of Our Ancestors

This conversation guide was developed in partnership with Alaska Humanities Forum and their Kindling Conversations Program. They are designed to […]

Sovereignty and Slavery In Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Southeast Alaska

The Sovereignty and Slavery Lesson Plan is a comprehensive educational resource designed for high school students studying Alaska history. Focused […]

Understanding Indigenous Colonization and Enslavement through Historical and Literary Perspectives

This lesson explores the history of Indigenous colonization and enslavement in North America and its representation in literature. Students will […]

Classroom Guide

Essential Questions

Standards

  • Alaska State Standards for ELA Reading Standards for Literature and Informational Texts: Key Ideas and Details: Students will read and analyze texts to determine explicit meanings, make logical inferences, and cite specific evidence to support conclusions. Craft and Structure: They will interpret word choices, analyze text structure, and evaluate point of view or purpose. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: Students will integrate and evaluate diverse formats of information, such as oral histories and archival materials, for a holistic understanding of the content​ State Regs Today Alaska Dept. of Education. Writing Standards: Students will write clear and coherent responses that demonstrate an understanding of the analyzed texts, making use of evidence and synthesizing diverse perspectives. Speaking and Listening Standards: They will engage in discussions and presentations, critically evaluating and conveying information effectively.
  • C3 National Social Studies Standards D2.His.1-3 (History): Students will use primary and secondary sources to investigate historical events, such as Indigenous enslavement, and evaluate multiple perspectives. D2.Civ.2 (Civics): Analyze how historical contexts influence systems of power, privilege, and oppression, helping students understand broader socio-cultural dynamics.
  • Alaska Cultural Standards A. Culturally Knowledgeable Students: Demonstrate an understanding of the role of traditions, languages, and histories in shaping cultural identity. B. Cultural Standards for Educators: Educators will incorporate local ways of knowing and teaching that promote respect and cultural identity​

Land Acknowledgement

This video was filmed on Unangax̂ /Aleut Land. Learn more about land acknowledgements at native-land.ca.