1. List three key takeaways you had from the Cave to Cosmos documentary
●
Native Americans in Chaco Canyon and other regions of the Americas developed advanced knowledge and practices in agriculture, trade, and governance, shaping the landscape and influencing future civilizations.
●
Indigenous peoples across the Americas share a common belief in the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of maintaining balance with nature, a perspective that continues to shape their cultures and practices today.
●
The knowledge, practices, and beliefs of Native Americans continue to resonate and provide valuable insights into sustainable living, ecological stewardship, and the importance of cultural connection in today's world.
2. In ONE short rule of three paragraph, describe what was important to Native Americans prior to European arrival - some evidence must be from Delving Deeper elements (you may also choose to use some evidence from the textbook). Native Americans had a deep respect for nature and believed in living in harmony with the environment. They relied on hunting, fishing, and farming to provide for their communities, and often shared resources with neighboring tribes. Family and community were highly valued, and elders were respected for their wisdom and experience. Native Americans also had spiritual beliefs that were tied to the land and the natural world, and they often engaged in rituals and ceremonies to honor their ancestors and the spirits that they believed inhabited the natural world. Overall, Native Americans had a rich and complex culture that was deeply rooted in their connection to the land and their community.
One example of this can be seen in the sustainable agricultural practices they employed. Rather than relying on slash-and-burn agriculture, which can have a disastrous impact on the environment, they used a variety of techniques to promote soil health and prevent soil erosion. These included intercropping,
crop rotation, and the use of natural fertilizers, such as fish emulsion. In addition to their agricultural practices, Native Americans also conducted ceremonies to influence natural forces, such as rain. Evidence
of this can be seen in the kivas, or ceremonial chambers, that were present in many Native American communities. It is believed that these ceremonies were instrumental in helping the Native Americans to cope with the challenges posed by their environment. Another way in which Native Americans demonstrated their deep understanding of their environment was in the way they aligned their cities and structures with the six directions. For example, the city of Chaco Canyon was laid out in a way that aligned with the cardinal directions, and many of the structures within the city were oriented towards specific celestial events, such as the movement of the sun
and moon. Finally, Native Americans observed the sky to track time and seasons, which allowed them to plan their agricultural activities accordingly. For example, they used the position of the stars to determine when to plant and harvest crops. This knowledge and these beliefs continue to resonate today, not only in
