History of Each Native American Tribe
I have always wanted to tell the story of each Indian tribe. It may not be possible for the smaller ones, and I can’t even imagine how many were never named and therefore lost to history. But my project will be to do everything I can to tell the stories of the ones we do know.
To begin, I’ve split them into geographic regions below. The tribes are categorized by where they were originally located so, for example, you’ll find the Cherokee in the Southeast where they were before the Trail of Tears forced them to Oklahoma.
As I write the histories of each, I will hyperlink the tribe name so you can click right over to the page. Be patient – this will be a huge passion project, but I’ll only be able to write this in my “free” time. Also, please use the form below to send me any ideas or input. I would love your help!
Most history lessons teach that the American Indian migrated to North America more than 12,000 years ago. There was no written history back then, but artifacts found in recent times appear to support that theory.
The most popular lessons suggest that a solid sheet of ice connected what we now call Russia and Alaska, allowing settlers to walk thousands of miles to settle here.
There’s no evidence that these “new” Americans found other humans already on the continent. The idea of recording history for posterity was still thousands of years off and so we still rely heavily on archaeological discovery to piece together the origins and experiences of our First Nations ancestors.
In my opinion, the discoveries still occurring make Native American history all that more vibrant and exciting.
A Land of Milk and Honey
Upon reaching Alaska, these settlers turned South. While there’s no proof that they understood how temperatures grow warmer closer to the Equator, it’s clear that the vast majority of them waited to settle in more temperate land.
Along the route, they would discover an amazing bounty of wild game, fertile land and ample supplies of water. There’s plenty of evidence to show that the population began to separate into bands, or what would eventually be called tribes.
Some early tribes mastered agriculture and found ideal land that turned into permanent settlements. Other tribes became nomadic, choosing to move frequently, feeding tribal members with wild game and fish.
Over time, tribes began to adopt certain cultural characteristics that made them unique. These differences were shaped by leadership and circumstance, most of which was not documented by word or art. But, art and oral traditions do play a crucial role in preserving Native American history and culture.
From intricate beadwork and pottery to elaborate creation myths and legends, these forms of expression offer insights into tribal worldviews, values, and historical experiences. Many of these traditions continue to evolve and inspire contemporary Native American artists and storytellers.
Before European contact, complex Native American civilizations flourished across the Americas. Notable examples include the Aztec, Maya, and Inca empires in Central and South America, as well as the Mississippian culture in North America. These societies developed sophisticated systems of agriculture, astronomy, architecture, and governance that rivaled their Old World counterparts.
The arrival of Europeans brought devastating diseases to which Native Americans had no immunity. Smallpox, measles, and influenza decimated native populations, with some estimates suggesting up to 90% of the indigenous population died within the first century of contact. This dramatic population decline profoundly affected Native American societies and their ability to resist European expansion.
Native American cultures have made significant contributions to modern global society. These include agricultural products like corn, potatoes, and tobacco; medical knowledge of indigenous plants; and philosophical concepts that influenced early American democracy. Many English words, place names, and cultural practices also have Native American origins.
Today, Native American tribes face ongoing challenges including poverty, health disparities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Many tribes are working to revitalize their languages, maintain sovereignty, and develop economic opportunities. Issues such as land rights, environmental protection, and representation in government remain important topics in Native American communities.
We’ll be discussing all of it. Enjoy the journey!
