Native Americans
for Kids and Teachers
Today, there are over 500 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States alone. Tribes are ruled by representative tribal governments. Native Americans today have a variety of jobs, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, ministers, writers, artists, and workers of all sorts. But they also hold jobs like tribal leaders. Neat frame houses have replaced former wigwams and tepees. Kids go to public school. Some kids additionally attend tribal school, especially tribal pre-school, where they learn about their traditions. Much has been lost, but much has been saved through the hard work of today's tribal leaders.
Some scientists say the first people, the people we call Native Americans, arrived in North America over twenty thousand years ago from Asia, crossing the frozen sea. For hundreds of years, people wandered in all directions. As time went on, these early people became skilled farmers and clever builders, engineers, and weavers. They made artistic pottery without a pottery wheel. They loved games of skill. They created stories and poetry. They taught their kids about their beliefs and culture using games, myths, dance, and impersonation, all of which are a very fun way to learn. Although they spoke many different languages and had many different customs, they also had many things in common.
Come meet the North American Woodland, Northeast, Southeast, Plains, Southwest, Great Basin/Plateau, California, Northwest Pacific Coastal, Far North and Arctic Indian tribes, as well as tribes in Central and South America. Learn what people invented to make themselves happy and comfortable. Read fabulous myths! Play games. Meet mischievous magical beings. Compare the daily life of the first people who settled in the Americas a long time ago. Celebrate Native American holidays. Build a totem pole. Weave a dream catcher. Get ready for a potlatch! Enjoy clever coyote, a very bad raven, and a very wise owl. Explore village life, the 3 sisters, the snow snake games, the need for secret messages, the arrow maker, the importance of baskets and blankets, pow-wow etiquette, and the moccasin and butterfly games. Learn what Native Americans considered wealth and health and protection from spirits. Welcome to Native Americans in olden times!
Native Americans in
North America
Native Americans in
Mexico, Central & South America
See also: European Explorers in the New World
We thank everyone who
awarded this site. It's quite an honor!
We enjoyed
writing it, and in the process learning more about Native
Americans,
who collectively call themselves "The People"
