Native Americans

Native Americans are the indigenous peoples within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as intact political communities.

History

The history of Native Americans in the United States began in ancient times tens of thousands of years ago with the settlement of the Americas by the Paleo-Indians. Anthropologists and archeologists have identified and studied a wide variety of cultures that existed during this era. Their subsequent contact with Europeans had a profound impact on their history of the people.

Culture

Native American culture has a rich history that can be traced back thousands of years. There are more than 500 distinct Native American tribes in the United States, each with its own unique culture and history. Culture areas such as the Northeast, Southeast, Plains, Southwest, and Northwest each had their own cultural practices and rituals.

Tribes

There are 574 federally recognized Indian tribes in the United States. Some of the most well-known tribes include the Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, and Apache. Each tribe has its own unique history, culture, and language.

Languages

There are approximately 150 Native American languages spoken today, with Navajo being the most widely spoken. Many of these languages are endangered, with only a small number of speakers remaining.

Contemporary Issues

Today, Native Americans face a number of challenges and issues. These include issues related to Native American civil rights, poverty, health issues, and the preservation of their culture and language.

See Also

• List of Native American Tribes
• Native American History
• Native American Culture
• Native American Languages