About This Lesson
This companion lesson explores the vital contributions of Sacagawea, the young Shoshone woman who guided the Lewis and Clark Expedition through vast, unfamiliar territories—including the land of her birth. As an interpreter and cultural bridge, she not only helped Lewis and Clark navigate the terrain but also carried her infant son throughout the journey—an image that symbolized peace and helped reassure many of the Native nations the expedition encountered. Students will examine Sacagawea’s knowledge of geography, her role as a peacemaker and communicator, and the often-overlooked depth of her leadership. The lesson also encourages students to consider how Sacagawea’s story has been remembered—and what it means to recognize her not just as a guide, but as a foundational figure in American history.
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