I Am American by Jennifer Tibbets TIME: Present. SETTING: Bare stage. AT RISE: MAX LITTLEFOOT stands center. Behind him, THREE SILHOUETTES stand reaching upward toward the sky. As MAX LITTLEFOOT begins his speech, SILHOUETTES enact Amerindian dance to offstage drumbeat. MAX LITTLEFOOT: I am American. My ancestors have lived on this land since memory began. My tribal elders speak of a large turtle that rose out of the sea. This Turtle Island—Earth—provides everything we need. My ancestors could read the earth. They saw a scuff in the dirt and would find deer to hunt. They smelled the thawing riverbanks and knew salmon were on their way upstream to spawn. They touched the rough bark of a pine and it would become a strong wigwam. I Am American, by Jennifer Tibbetts © This play is reprinted from Plays, The Drama Magazine for Young People with the permission of the publisher Plays/Sterling Partners Inc. 897 Washington Street #600160, Newton, MA 02460

Answer 1

MAX LITTLEFOOT: I stand here, proud and defiant. I am American. My people, the Amérindians, have walked these lands long before borders divided us. We have sung songs that echo through the valleys and danced under the stars, telling stories of creation, of life, and of resilience.

(As he speaks, the SILHOUETTES continue their dance, embodying the spirit of tradition and connection to nature.)

MAX LITTLEFOOT: The earth speaks to us. It whispers in the rustle of the leaves, beckons in the flow of the rivers, and dances in the flicker of the firelight. Each rock and river, each tree stands as a testament to our history, our struggles, and our joys. We are not just a product of this land; we are intertwined with it.

(He glances back at the SILHOUETTES, who have now formed a circle, representing unity and community.)

MAX LITTLEFOOT: Our teachings have been passed down through generations, stories of respect and stewardship, of living in harmony with all beings. The Great Spirit teaches us that every creature has a purpose, every plant has a role to play. We are all connected, woven together in this beautiful tapestry of life.

(Pause as the SILHOUETTES shift, their movements flowing seamlessly, like a river.)

MAX LITTLEFOOT: But as I say I am American, I must also acknowledge the struggles we face. The scars left by colonization run deep, yet our spirit remains unbroken. We have fought to reclaim our identities, to revive our languages, to share our stories.

(The sound of the offstage drumbeat intensifies, creating a sense of urgency as the SILHOUETTES move faster, energizing the space.)

MAX LITTLEFOOT: We stand at a crossroads, a time for healing and understanding. I am American, but so are the countless voices of my ancestors who cried for recognition and justice. It is a call to action, not just for my people, but for all who call this land home.

(The movement of the SILHOUETTES begins to mimic a rising sun, symbolizing hope and a new dawn.)

MAX LITTLEFOOT: To be American means to honor our past, to respect each other, and to push forward together. Let us break down the walls of division. Let us embrace the stories that have been silenced. Let us rise, as one people, for the sake of this Turtle Island and all who inhabit it.

(The SILHOUETTES extend their arms outward, as if reaching for the future. The drumbeat slows, creating a moment of reflection.)

MAX LITTLEFOOT: I am American. We are the heartbeat of the land, the whispers of the ancestors, and we will continue to dance, to sing, and to love fiercely. Together, we shape our story—one of resilience, unity, and hope.

(The lights dim slightly as MAX LITTLEFOOT stands tall, a silhouette against the drumming rhythm of the earth, embodying the spirit of his ancestors. The SILHOUETTES lower their arms, creating a moment of stillness before the stage fades to black.)

[BLACKOUT]