Project Reflection

This project was actually a very fun experience. It gave me the

chance to really learn about the Yurok Tribe, and how they fit into
American history. I got the interest in doing the Yurok Tribe when I
went to the Redwoods last summer (2014), and was amazed at the
shear size of those trees. It was a very reverent place, and whenever
wed meet somebody on the trail, we would all speak quietly so as not
to disturb the silence. It felt like one of the most sacred places on
Earth, and I wondered how the people who were there first felt about it.
Turns out, I was not alone in acknowledging the sacredness of the
forest, and it was fascinating to learn about the details of Yurok belief
and culture. I have been through the Yurok Reservation, and I have
seen where the Klamath River meets the sea, and so this project had a
lot of meaning because personal experiences. Also, when Dr. Edwards,
who is a Yurok, talked to our class and performed a dance of his
culture, it only drew me in farther.
Native Americans are definitely underappreciated for their major
contributions to American life. They have always been the underdogs,
even though they are such an amazing group of people. The lessons
that can be learned from Yurok culture can apply to what we do every
day and how we shape our future, lessons such as: respect for others,
respect for the planet and life upon it, using wise and just laws, never
use more than is needed, etc. I have always been fascinated with

Native American culture, and taking this class was an amazing

experience. So doing this project was not a problem, and it really gave
me a better perspective on Native people and on my life as well.
Living out here in the west, I feel that our culture here has many
influences from Native Americans. Things such as place names,
mountain names, and just living in close proximity to wilderness areas
and National Parks. As a serious hiker, I have grown up around these
natural playgrounds, and after diving deeper into Native American
culture I have gained a greater respect for them. I just love learning
about cultures, and it reminds me how important cultures are. This
class has also increased my interest in learning my own ancestral
cultures. I love to draw similarities between my ancestral cultures and
Native American cultures, and realize that we are all the same people
underneath. For example, I have ancient Celtic lineage (Scottish), and
the Celts lived very similarly to Native Americans with a similar respect
for nature. Also, my Nordic and Slavic ancestors had similar cultures,
and it shows that people are really not as different as they think.
This class is honestly one of the best classes I have ever taken,
and Professor Case was the perfect teacher. This is one that I think will
stick with me, and I have learned some amazing knowledge that I will
definitely use in the future.