Native Americans of the Southeast Region of the United States in Olden Times for Kids and Teachers Illustration

Southeast Woodland Native Americans for Kids in Olden Times

The Native Americans of the Southeast were considered members of the Woodland Native Americans.

About 4,000 years ago, there were many different Southeast Woodland Indian tribes and nations. Most tribes were farmers, hunters, and gatherers. They lived in homes. They each had a structured government. They spoke different languages and dialects. Some knew each other. Some did not.

They had many things in common. They were artistic, clever people. They produced colorful art using natural dyes. They made basket from natural fibers to haul food and store goods. They used shells to make really sharp knives. They created incredible beadwork. These early people were great story tellers. They were knowledgeable about herbs and natural medicines. Knowledge was handed down orally from one generation to the next.

Each tribe was divided into a small number of clans. Clans were related people. When a baby was born, he or she belonged to the mother's clan. Laws varied, but some laws were the same in all tribes. One such law was that you could not marry someone from your own clan.

The Southeast Woodland people believed in honor. They believed in many gods and goddesses, deities to whom they prayed in song and dance for help and guidance. They had some very strange customs, and some very beautiful ones. Come meet a few of the Southeast Woodland tribes and see how they lived in olden times.

Seminole Native Americans in Olden Times

Cherokee Native Americans in Olden Times

Muscogee (Creek)

Chickasaw

Choctaw

Mississippians

Medicine Man

Additional Resources

Baskets

Games

Stories

Holidays

Canoes

Homes

Religion

Tribes

Daily Life

Comparison Chart

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