Explore Native American History – Native American Heritage Month – Explore Native Challenge

Native American history is as deep and rich as the culture.  Each of the over 500 tribes across North America has their own unique history with many shared historical moments.

History is a look back into the lives and cultures, however, remember that our Native tribes and people are still alive.  The culture and history continue to evolve and build.  Many people picture the American Indians stuck in a history book at a certain time period.  We maintain our history through dance, songs, crafts, and food.  Each of these also continues to change as we move forward.

Do you know what tribe's land you are living on now?

View the areas each tribe occupied on this interactive map.

Interactive Tribal Land Map

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Thanksgiving

With this week being Thanksgiving in the United States, I thought this would be a great place to start.

Long before any Europeans came to the New World, Native Americans had many feasts and celebrations of thanks.

In 1620 an English ship called the Mayflower set sail for the Americas. The ship was charted by a religious sect known as the Puritans. They were headed for what was called the Virginias.

Unfortunately, the Puritans ran out of beer and needed to make land as quickly as possible. Thus they landed in December of 1620 on the shores of what is now Massachusetts.

They did not establish a settlement right away as often thought and taught in schools.  They were not able to settle at the original landing.

The 102 Puritans landed and built their colony called The Plymouth Plantation on the ruins of the Native village of Pawtuxet.  Pawtuxet had been destroyed by the Weymouth expedition. The Puritans survived by stealing the food stores of neighboring Native Summer Villages as well as eating corn that was still growing wild from abandoned cornfields near the ruined village.

Read the rest of the story  – A More Accurate Historical Thanksgiving.

Read more about Native Americans and Thanksgiving

• The Real Thanksgiving Foods
• Thanksgiving Activities For Children
• What Do Natives Think About Thanksgiving

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Tribal Histories

Each tribe has their own history.  During Native American Heritage Month our contributor Corinne Oestreich, has written about several tribe's histories.

These will give you a glance into the rich history of the many tribal nations across North America.

• Kiowa
• Modoc
• Hopi
• Ojibwe

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Native American Current Issues

Looking back at historical events is important to learn about people and culture, but many current issues are changing and affecting our history right now.  These issues will have lasting effects on our tribes for generations.

• Standing Rock 
  Clean water continues to be an issue for our tribes!
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
  Our women continue to be abused and murdered!
• First Native Women in Congress
• Healing Racism
• Poverty on Reservations

Now it is up to you and all of us to make a difference!

Contact your member of Congress today!

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Native American History

Here are a few more links for you to explore American Indian History!

• The Truth About Columbus
• 100 Years of Dine Beauty
• Historical Moccasin Photos
• Why We Wear Braids
• Fur Turban Historical Photos

 

Last Updated on February 15, 2024 by Paul G