Long ago, America was their land.
For thousands of years, Native Americans were the only people on this continent. Their ancestors were Asians who had crossed a land bridge to the most northern part of America. Later, they moved south.
In 1492, Europeans started coming to America. Over the centuries, the wars, policies, and diseases they brought killed 95 percent of the Native population. The Natives’ land shrank to reservations and Indian trust lands. Those were called “Indian country.”
Today, the U.S. Native population is growing. Modern Native Americans are a mixed group that walks in two worlds: the ancient and the modern. As groups, they’re Wampanoag, Navajo, Iroquois, and Cherokee—to name a few. As individuals, they’re artists, doctors, and teachers. Some are spiritual healers and fancy dancers. Their children play basketball and shop at malls. They also dress in traditional clothing and dance at powwows. Native Americans are glad to share their culture with others. Come learn about Native America, past and present.
