Native Americans in the United States

Indigenous Americans by county

Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America 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. The term "American Indian" is often used interchangeably, but some individuals prefer "Native American". The ancestors of living Native Americans arrived in what is now the United States at least 15,000 years ago, possibly much earlier, from Asia via Beringia. A vast variety of peoples, societies and cultures subsequently developed.

Native Americans were greatly affected by the European colonization of the Americas, which began in 1492, and their population declined precipitously mainly due to introduced diseases as well as warfare, including biological warfare, territorial confiscation, and slavery. After the United States was formed, many Native American tribes were subjected to warfare, removals, and one-sided treaties, and they faced policies of assimilation and marginalization.

History

The history of Native Americans is a complex and diverse narrative that spans thousands of years. It includes the formation and decline of powerful cultures such as the Mississippian culture, which built massive earthwork mounds at sites such as Cahokia, and the advanced societies in the Southwest, such as the Ancestral Puebloans, known for their cliff dwellings and complex irrigation systems.

Pre-Columbian Era

Before the arrival of Europeans, the Native American ancestors had established thriving societies with distinct cultures, languages, and social structures. These societies ranged from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled agriculturalists and city-dwellers.

European Contact

The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked the beginning of a new era. European explorers and settlers brought new diseases, such as smallpox, which decimated indigenous populations. The Europeans also brought with them a thirst for land and resources, leading to conflicts and the displacement of many Native American tribes.

19th Century

The 19th century was a period of profound change for Native Americans. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced many tribes from their ancestral lands to designated "Indian Territory" west of the Mississippi River. The Trail of Tears symbolizes the suffering endured by the Cherokee people during their forced relocation. The century also saw the American Indian Wars, as Native Americans resisted settlers' encroachments, and the establishment of Indian reservations.

Culture

Native American cultures are rich and varied, with each tribe having its own distinct traditions, languages, and social structures. Traditional practices, stories, and beliefs are passed down through generations, often through oral traditions. Many tribes have made efforts to preserve their languages and cultural practices in the face of assimilation policies and the loss of ancestral lands.

Languages

There were once more than 300 languages spoken by Native Americans in what is now the United States. Today, many of these languages are endangered, but efforts are underway to revive and preserve them.

Religion and Spirituality

Native American religions and spiritual practices vary widely but are generally characterized by a reverence for nature and a belief in the interconnectedness of all living things. Ceremonies and rituals, such as dances, prayers, and songs, are important aspects of Native American spirituality.

Contemporary Issues

Native Americans today face a number of challenges, including issues related to sovereignty, legal rights, and land ownership. Many Native American communities also struggle with problems such as poverty, unemployment, health care disparities, and the preservation of their cultures and languages.

See Also

• Indigenous peoples of the Americas
• Trail of Tears
• Indian Removal Act
• American Indian Wars
• Indian reservations in the United States