In Her Weakness Made Strong: Esther Ross and Respect

In this lesson, students will learn about the Stillaguamish tribe and the woman who fought to gain recognition and respect for their lands and customs. Through her example, students will better understand the role that respect should play in their own lives.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• Who was Esther Ross and why was she significant?
• Why did Esther Ross demand respect for her tribe?
• How did Esther Ross promote freedom for herself and others?
• What actions did Ross take to gain respect and recognition for the Stillaguamish?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will analyze the actions of Esther Ross and the manner in which she attempted to have the Stillaguamish tribe recognized by the federal government.
• Students will apply their knowledge about respect to their own lives.
• Students will understand why a lack of respect can cause problems, and they will determine ways to solve problems by acting respectfully.