The indigenous people of the California Intermountain Region are famous chiefs, artists, historians, activists, among many other professions. Researching real people helps students to get a more concrete and compassionate understanding of the culture, lives and perspectives of Native Americans. In this activity, students will research a person and then create a biography poster highlighting their life and accomplishments
Using one of the templates or starting from scratch on the poster layout, students will build up a profile of their chosen figure. Depending on requirements or complexity, students can add timelines to their posters. However, the wide variety of characters, scenes, and items makes it very easy for students to customize their project to fit any guidelines.
Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!
Some examples of people to research:
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Research a famous or notable person that is of Indigenous heritage from the California Intermountain Region. Create a Biography Poster that highlights their major accomplishments.
Student Instructions:
Requirements: Person’s image, name, dates of birth/death, accomplishment.
Help students gather and structure information by providing a biography graphic organizer. This tool guides note-taking on key facts, dates, and achievements, making it much easier for students to transfer their research into a clear, organized poster.
Demonstrate how to write short, meaningful notes rather than full sentences. Show examples using bullet points and quick facts, so students avoid copying and learn to summarize in their own words.
Teach students to use school library databases, vetted websites, and books for their research. Explain why credible sources matter and provide a reference list to get them started.
Encourage students to choose images that reflect the individual’s achievements or cultural background. Discuss respecting image copyright and using school-approved resources for visuals.
Invite students to add creative touches like timelines, favorite quotes, or symbolic elements. This promotes ownership and deeper connection to their subject while meeting the project requirements.
The Indigenous Peoples Biography Poster activity is a classroom project where students research a notable Indigenous person from the California Intermountain Region and create a visual biography poster that highlights their life, accomplishments, and impact. This hands-on activity encourages cultural understanding and research skills.
Guide students by providing a list of notable Indigenous figures like Sacagawea, Chief Washakie, Elsie Allen, or Sarah Winnemucca. Encourage them to explore diverse roles—chiefs, artists, activists—and let them select someone whose story interests them most.
Each biography poster should include the person's name, image, dates of birth and death (if known), major accomplishments, and descriptive words or images that showcase their contributions. Adding a timeline or creative visuals is encouraged for deeper engagement.
Yes, you can find and use biography poster templates designed for student projects. These templates provide structure for organizing information and can be customized with different characters, scenes, and items to represent the chosen figure.
Researching real Indigenous individuals helps students develop empathy, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of Native American history and perspectives. It also allows them to connect historical events to personal stories, making learning more meaningful.