Native Americans

Native American History

There are 573 federally recognized American Indian and
Alaska Native tribes and villages in the United States, each
with their own culture, language and history.

All tribes have a rich culture, whether founded in language

or ceremony, which strengthens America as a nation today.
 Native American Hardships
During the 18th and 19th centuries’ “Indian Wars,” led by the U.S.Government
caused Native people to lose their homelands.

Tribes lacked control of their own ceremonial items and other precious items
until the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act required
federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding to return
Native American "cultural items" to their descendants and tribes.

In the Boarding School Era from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, the U.S.
government enacted legislation that removed Native children from their homes
and placed them in Christian boarding schools. These children were taken
hundreds of miles away from their families for years and faced discipline if
they tried to speak their languages or practice their traditions. Many
children died from malnutrition or disease. Those who survived returned years
later to find themselves completely disconnected from their family and
traditional ways.
 Native American Powwows
Native Americans have celebrations
called Powwows. Powwows are a
celebration of Native American culture
in which people from diverse
indigenous nations gather for the
purpose of dancing, singing, and
honouring the traditions of their
ancestors.

Today’s powwows normally take place

over one to four days.
People(including non-natives) are
welcome to attend, as participants
seek to share the positive aspects of
their culture with others.
 Native American Regalia
Native American Regalia is a mode
of self expression combining
historical and modern wear. Many
times a Regalia is worn to a powwow
or special event. Typically Regalia
is made up of family heirlooms or
gifts made for the person by a
close relative. Regalia changes
overtime as the wearer experiences
life and fashion.