Joseph Brant / Thayendanegea: Native Sovereignty During the Revolutionary Era

Consider the American Revolution through the experience of Joseph Brant, a Mohawk leader, soldier, and statesman who challenged the emerging United States. Students also engage in conversations about Native alliances, the costs of exclusion from nation-building, and the enduring fight for Indigenous rights. Using video clips, primary sources, and thought-provoking questions, students explore how Brant navigated loyalty, identity, and survival during a time of war and upheaval and gain deeper insight into the complexity of the Revolutionary war and why Brant’s story matters today.

About the Author:
Jaclyn Jecha is a middle and high school social studies teacher in Wisconsin. She has over 15 years of experience in education, including within museums. Jecha develops inquiry-based, media-rich curriculum that centers diverse voices and historical thinking. She has written resources for PBS Wisconsin, the Center for Civic Education, Retro Report, and the National Park Service. Her passion is helping students see how the past informs their place in the world today.