NS/CB “People of the First Light”

Lesson Activities & Lesson Plans

To begin the Lesson Activity please scroll down. If you are a teacher looking for the associated Lesson Plan, please click below.

Secondary Social Studies

NS/CB “People of the First Light” Mural - Lesson Activity

Artist Statement: “This piece was inspired by the Wampanoag tribe of the Massachusetts territory before the European colonization. Now more than ever, it's important to remember that the majority of this country is composed of immigrants, and these tribes were here before America was even an idea. We hope to help empower them & to pay homage to a culture that was said to be "erased" that is still very much alive.” - NS/CB

Watch this video to learn about the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and answer the questions below:

1. What does the name Wampanoag mean?

2. What happened to the Native American tribes when they began interacting with European immigrants?

3. Where was the largest of the Wampanoag communities located (present day)?

4. In the artist biography, NS/CB state that their goal was “to pay homage to a culture that was said to be 'erased' that is still very much alive.” Based on the video, what are some of the ways that the Wampanoag people practice and celebrate their culture today?

5. The name Wampanoag means “People of the White Light” or “People of the First Light.” Take a close look at the mural above and list some of the aspects of culture and symbolism that you see:

5a.

5b.

5c.

5d.

5e.

6. Pick 2 of the aspects present in the mural and describe why you think NS/CB chose to incorporate them:

Student Name

School

Teacher

Date

Grade / School

Have you seen any of the murals in Lynn before?

Yes

Does studying the murals make you want to go and see them in person?

Yes

Do you think having murals in the city makes it special?

Yes

Did the mural(s), the symbolism, or the artist’s story make you think about your life and experiences?

Yes

What could we do to make the lessons better?

If you have any questions or need assistance, email admin@beyond-walls.org

Secondary Social Studies