Student / Teacher Information

Lesson One

Voices: Show video segment "Voices of Promise" (19 minutes)

Choices: After viewing this video...What could you change in your life that would help you become a better person? Who in the DVD inspired or uplifted you? What did they say that made you think about becoming the person you were truly meant to be?

Results: Determine the results you would like in our life and make a personal promise or commitment to achieve them. Include character and personality traits as well as accomplishments-"being" as well as "doing."

Lesson Two

Voices: Show video segment "Education"

Choices: After viewing this video . . . How are you using education to prepare yourself for the future? Name one or two changes you could make that would help you be a better student. Think about some careers you would most enjoy. What level of education will best prepare you for each those careers? Why is a high school diploma considered essential in today's society-on or off the reservation? Which college or university would you like to attend? How would a master's degree or doctoral degree help you?

Results: Set goals for your college education. Write down the high school classes you will need to take and the grades you will need in those classes in order to be accepted into the college you choose. Set goals for when, where, and how long you will study each day.

Lesson Three

Voices: Show video segment "Native Traditions"

Choices: After viewing this video . . . What Native American traditions are important to you? What could you do to appreciate your Native traditions and heritage? Be specific. Name one or more family members or ancestors you most respect, and why you respect them. How did you feel when you participated in some of your traditional Native dances or ceremonies?

Results: Write down the dates for powwows or traditional events you could attend this year. Contact a parent, family, or tribal member who could help you learn more about your heritage, and then meet with them.

Lesson Four

Voices: Show video segment "Spirituality"

Choices: After viewing this video . . . What role did prayer and spirituality play in the lives of our ancestors? What role does spirituality play in your life? What could you do to increase your own spirituality or connection with the Creator? Who do you respect that you could talk with about the Creator and about spirituality in your life?

Results: Find a quiet place somewhere today to pray privately to the Creator, expressing your personal feelings in a spirit of thankfulness and hope. Contact a parent, family, or spiritual leader and meet with them to discuss spirituality.

Lesson Five

Voices: Show video segment "Family"

Choices: After viewing this video . . . How do you feel when parents, family and others give you encouragement? How has a family member or mentor helped you? Name some important things you would like to discuss with a parent or family member. If you don't have the kind of support you would like from your immediate family, who at your school or in your community could you ask for advice, direction, and encouragement?

Results: Take the initiative to ask for help, advice, and support for your parents and family. If they are not available to you, ask a teacher or a trusted person in your community if they would be willing to answer your questions and give you help.

Lesson Six

Voices: Show video segment "Vision and Goals "

Choices: After viewing this video . . . Name several things you have the potential to do and become. Is there any limit to your potential? What do you dream about doing with your life? What are the most important things to you and those around you? What would you like to do if you had everything you needed to accomplish those things? Why would you choose to do them?

What choices will you make today to plan for your future? What do you need to do to get on the path that will lead you to a bright and productive future? What does "It's time to move forward" mean to you as a Native young person?

Results: Write down your life goals. Keep this list and add to or modify it from time to time. Be specific about what you want to do now, this month, this year, in the next ten years, and throughout your life. Include goals for the kind of marriage you want and the kinds of father or mother you want to be. Include character and personality traits as well as achievements.

Lesson Seven

Voices: Show video segment "Courage"

Choices: After viewing this video . . . What kinds of obstacles did your ancestors face? What did they do about them? How does a persons gain courage? Can your courage be strengthened through prayer, contact with positive people, or reading biographies? Name the challenges you face right now. When have you, like the eagle, had to "fly alone"? Because every Native student can make a positive difference in school, what do you feel you could start to do or contribute that would bring Native pride to your school?

Results: Because courage means action, write down the actions you can take now to meet the challenges you face. Be realistic about the obstacles you face AND be realistic and creative about how those obstacles can be overcome. Resolve to face everything in your life with courage, hope, and a positive attitude.