Reservation Dogs Viewing Questions
Help students meaningfully engage with contemporary Indigenous representation before reading Native and First Nations authors.
This resource guides students through the pilot episode of Reservation Dogs—a groundbreaking FX/Hulu series created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi that celebrates Indigenous joy, humor, and community.
About the Lesson
This viewing-question set helps students analyze tone, character, and symbolism while exploring themes of belonging, loss, and resilience in modern Indigenous life. It serves as an excellent front-loading or activation activity before teaching The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline, There There by Tommy Orange, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie or other Indigenous literature units.
Students will:
- Reflect on tone, mood, and soundtrack choices
- Consider stereotypes vs. authentic portrayals
- Analyze character dynamics within the Rez Dogs group
- Discuss how the series reframes ideas of community, justice, and survival
What’s Included
- Printable PDF version
- Digital Google Docs version (ready to assign via Classroom or Schoology)
Perfect For
- High School ELA (Grades 9–12)
- Film & Media Studies
- Indigenous Literature or Social Justice units
- Paired text study with The Marrow Thieves
Content Advisory
The Reservation Dogs pilot episode is rated TV-MA for language and brief mature themes. While the first episode contains no explicit sexual content or graphic violence, teachers should preview the episode in full to ensure it aligns with school and community standards. Common Sense Media suggests this show is for ages 14+.
Tip: A short parent-permission note is recommended (similar to using a PG-13 or R-rated film excerpt). Many educators use this episode as a meaningful, age-appropriate example of Indigenous storytelling when paired with discussion norms and context.
Why You’ll Love It
This resource introduces students to Indigenous storytelling that is heartfelt, funny, and real—showing that Indigenous narratives are not only about trauma, but also about survival, humor, and love.
Use it to spark curiosity, deepen empathy, and set the stage for literature that continues those conversations.
