Neighbors Summary:
In our Project Based Learning (PBL) inquiry cycle themed "Neighbors," we studied the lives of Florida's original neighbors, the Lucayan Taino, exploring their culture and history before and after Columbus's arrival.
Our standards-based investigation highlighted the significance of neighbors in shaping communities and the interconnectivity of people, emphasizing the impactful changes the Lucayan Taino experienced post-contact.
To uniquely narrate our findings, we custom-designed sneakers, a medium chosen for its contemporary appeal and the way it resonates with our audience. Also, I love sneakers.
These sneakers, embodying the story of the Lucayan Taino, served as a creative source to express our understanding and reflections on their history and legacy.
This project not only deepened our appreciation for the Caribbean’s first inhabitants but also demonstrated how modern elements like sneakers can bridge historical narratives and present-day learning.
Our Driving Question:
How can we, as students, plan, design and create original custom sneakers representing the Lucayan Taino and share these shoes and their stories with a wider audience?
Exhibition Night in Photos:
The Process: Leading up to Exhibition Night
Why did we learn about the Taino?
- Understanding Cultural Heritage: The Taíno were among the first indigenous peoples of the Americas to come into contact with Europeans following Columbus's arrival in 1492. They played a significant role in the history of the Caribbean and are considered cultural ancestors by many modern Caribbean people.
- Impact on Modern Culture: The Taíno left a lasting influence on the culture, language, and agriculture of the Caribbean. Many words from their language, such as "hurricane" (huracán) and "barbecue" (barbacoa), have been incorporated into English and other languages. Their agricultural practices and foods, like cassava, are still significant in Caribbean cuisine.
- Historical Insight: Learning about the Taíno offers insights into pre-Columbian history and societies in the Caribbean. This includes their social structures, religious beliefs, and interactions with neighboring groups.
- Consequences of European Colonization: Studying the Taíno experience helps students understand the impacts of European colonization, including the spread of diseases, which led to significant population declines among indigenous peoples, and the long-term effects on native cultures and demographics.
- Resilience and Survival: Despite significant challenges and hardships due to European diseases and enslavement, some Taíno traditions and bloodlines have survived. Their resilience is an important lesson in how cultures can endure and adapt over time.
- Educational Diversity and Inclusivity: Including indigenous histories like that of the Taíno in educational curricula promotes a more inclusive and diverse understanding of history, acknowledging the contributions and experiences of all peoples.