IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF SOURCES
The focus of this investigation will be “To what extent did the native American Sacajawea was helpful during Lewis and Clark’s expedition?” and will analyze the role that Sacajawea had in leading the expedition, and the importance of her help in achieving success. And for the purpose of this investigation it will focus on Sacajawea’s knowledge, sacrifices and expertise that guided Lewis and Clark. Thus, the Lewis and Clark expedition journals and TED-ed’s video “The true story of Sacajawea – Karen Mensing” are sources of particular value to this investigation, due to the information they provide about Sacajawea and her role or involvement in the expedition, through a first-hand experience and an academic focus of the area. …show more content…
This source could be of particular value to historians wanting to inquire in Sacajawea’s life during the expedition, as Lewis and Clark were the ones to write the journals and they do mention Sacajawea as their guide, meaning there is information on Sacajawea’s value for the expedition in opinion of those who she benefitted.
However this source also has limitations. One is the fact that it is not written by Sacajawea herself but by Lewis and Clark, and their point of view may involve some of the maleness which would diminish the indigenous girl’s work. Also, there is the fact that the main purpose of the journals was to document whatever happened during the expedition, and it doesn’t necessarily involve Sacajawea.

Source: TED-ed’s video “The true story of Sacajawea – Karen Mensing” uploaded to youtube.com in august of