Warrior Shields
Minnie H Elementary, 4th grade, Devils Lake ND
The Partnership gave guidance for elementary students transitioning into middle school as they spoke about the impact of healthy relationships with friends and family, the importance of boundaries, goal setting and the transitions.
"I really enjoyed your presentation. I thought that your purpose for the shields were excellent. “Showing the world who you are.” It’s great to get children thinking about their background and heritage. Unfortunately I feel like there is just not enough of it built in to the curriculum for students and this program really got them thinking about it. I especially liked that it wasn’t just about what students liked; instead it’s about where they come from, what is important to them, and what things represent them. It helps them appreciate their roots and who they are."
- Jennifer Goebel, 4th grade teacher, Minnie H Elementary
“I thought the stories were fascinating… It took a lot of work to make it (the shield) special to you." Minnie H, 4th Grade student
“I liked when Mr. and Mrs. Yellowbird told us about their background.” Minnie H, 4th Grade student
“I think that the shields help kids tell about themselves. The shields were fun because you could design them any way you want. Just like the shields, our personalities are all different. No one has the same ideas." Minnie H, 4th Grade student
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The Partnership was asked to give the Keynote address to the Minnie H 4th grade graduation as they embarked upon and began to prepare for the next stage in life. |
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Who benefits best from this project? Everyone!
This project is for all ages and levels
Time of Project (shortened version)- 3 hr. Materials include pizza rounds, markers, colored pencils, flannel cloth, sinew, needles, hole punch, white tag board
Time of Project- 6 hours Materials include metal hoops, canvas, flannel cloth, paint, sinew, paint brushes, needles, hole punch, white tag board
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"Warrior Shields, Creating My Own Identity"
Overview
Offered for K-High School grades and continuing education for teachers. Students will be able to complete a small warrior shield. They will begin with the question, "How do you want the world to see you?" They will place colors, symbols and pictures on their warrior shield to represent the the types of things that define them.
The main objective is to assist students to understand the importance of the Native American and Tribal shields and their symbolic meanings in relation to the bearer and also take a deeper look into the shields used today for protection that are pertinent for living a more contemporary life.
In retrospect the project will have some discussion on how participants want the world to see them as well as the goals they wish to set for themselves and the way they are going to accomplish them. The tribal identity will assist participants in redefining themselves as warriors in the modern day society.
Some more insight to “Warrior Shields, creating my own identity”:
This project teaches students about cultural acceptance rather than cultural tolerance. We have the students think about and discuss their own identity, where they come from and who their ancestors are. We discuss the importance of knowing your heritage. This information assists students in formulating where they are as an individual presently and projecting themselves to maintain and accomplish new goals for the future. The students share with us the importance of themselves, their gifts, the things they enjoy doing and the people who are important in their lives. They began developing ideas of how they fit into the scheme of the present and future societies.
With this specific project we acknowledge the fact that we are all tribal people. Native Americans are the Ancient Ones of America- they are the first nation people of this continent. Black Pinto Horse shares his Arikara and Hidatsa tribal identity and relates it to all plains tribes. Europeans are also Tribal in relation to their backgrounds and the traditions and ceremonies that were made part of the Ancient Societies. Both Monte and Emily's perspectives are given to enlighten students about tribal identity. When looking at Emily's German ancestral background, her people came from across the seas. They were the Ancient ones of their lands; they too had ceremonies and traditions that were specific to their original soil. |
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As we discuss the historical significance of the shield to the warrior we compare it with the more contemporary shield used today- education. Today our enemy has changed. It now comes in the form of drugs, alcohol, abuse, etc. Education is the key component in the growth of knowledge and wisdom which enables a person to make good choices for oneself and their people/ family. Four feathers hang below the shield which symbolize accomplishments and goals. The children use critical thinking, defining the steps which they must take to reach their goals. |
7 Virtues/ Values of the Warrior
1. Love
2. Compassion
3. Courage
4. Honor
5. Resiliency
6. Wisdom
7. Faith
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Historical Warrior Modern Day Warrior
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The Partnership's Shields |
Personal Interpretation of Black Pinto Horse’s Shield
"The Tree of Life Warrior Shield"
The circle of the shield represents the universe. The three feathers represent t he mind, body and spirit of the bearer. Four bells with horse hair adorn the outer edges of the heavenly blue background to annunciate the presence of the Creator. The Tree of life is the center piece of this work, representing life from the past, present and future. The roots of the tree are enriched in Mother Earth and represent our past, the trunk is what the world sees and represents the present, the branches and limbs reach for the heavens and represent our future. Four rows of small circles symbolize the four stages of life or the four nations. The Black & White War pony prancing its bearer into battle is outlined by the heavenly presence of Creator and is surrounded in Mystery(black). White stripes are the purity that exists in the path of life ....
Designed and Painted by Black Pinto Horse, Beadwork by Emily Yellow Bird
This shield was featured during Willistion / Trenton -Warrior Shields/Winter Count Programs and was presented to Wilkinson Elementary for their winning numbers in participation at Keepers of the Mystery Reception by The Partnership Educational Programs.
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Personal Interpretation of Emily's Shield
I began by laying the foundation in orange which symbolizes happiness- I want to try to be as happy as I can in any given circumstance. I have placed the purple mountains in the background, purple is a color which means creativity among other things. I feel I am a creative individual. The mountains have always been an import nat part in my life- I grew up exploring and learning in them. Their presence makes me feel secure. In the forefront I have the tree of life which represents all of life; the roots are our ancestors, the trunk is us presently and the branches are our future and future generations to come. Three of my roots are black, red and yellow representing the colors of the german flag because I am German. I have one root which I did not fill in because I am representing the other part of my heritage I do not know. The branches are yellow symbolizing enlightenment. The leaves are green for growth; I want to continually grow reaching enlightenment with the gaining of knowledge. Behind the tree flows water- water is the essence of all life- without it we would not be able to survive. The circles are symbolic of the people whom I love most; my husband, father, mother, brother and grandmother. My grandfather is represented alone on the other side of the tree- he has passed onto the Spirit World, but he is still a very important part of my life and I love him very much. I outlined his circle in blue- blue represents heavenly, where he is. On the backs of the feathers there are two goals and two accomplishments- those I will share with you when you choose this program. |
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