Engage students prior to reading Code Talker with this informational Webquest.

1. Native Words: Native Warriors WebQuest
Go to:​ ​http://www.nmai.si.edu/education/codetalkers/
Directions:​ Read each section and answer the following questions in complete sentences. The last
question of each section should be answered in 2­3 well developed sentences using evidence to
support your response.
Section I: Native Languages
1. How many distinct Native American languages were historically spoken in North America?
2. What do most American Indians consider their native language to be extremely important for?
3. How many Navajo Code Talkers were there in WWII?
4. Why is language such an important part of people’s cultures?
Section II: Boarding Schools
1. What was the purpose of the boarding schools?
2. List 5 things that were taken away from American Indian children at boarding school.
3. What happened if students refused to give up these things?
4. Why do you think the government and boarding schools wanted to eliminate American Indian
languages and cultures?
Section III: Code Talking
1. Describe the warrior tradition in Native American societies.
2. How many Navajo were responsible for creating the original code?

2. 3. Describe the Type One Code.
4. In what location were the Navajo assigned to service in WWII?
5. What year was the Navajo Code Talkers dictionary made public?
6. What are the similarities between the older American Indian warrior traditions and the Code
Talkers of World War II?
Section IV: Coming Home
1. Describe one of the ceremonies used to restore balance to a returning soldiers life.
2. Why are cultural traditions important to the well­being of soldiers who have been at war?
Section V: Survival
1. What hardships did Native Americans returning from the war face?
2. In what ways do you think the treatment of Code Talkers after the war was fair or unfair?
Section VI: Recognition
1. Why were Code Talkers not immediately recognized for their service?
2. When it did come, what kinds of positive effects do you think the Code Talkers’ achievements
might have had on their own American Indian communities?