Transcript Native Americans

Native Americans
History
 Arrival: Bering Land Bridge

12,000-25,000 years ago
 European Settlement (16th cent)
 killed many natives by conflict / disease
 Indian Removal Act of 1830
 Trail of Tears
 Indian Wars (1860s- 1890s):
 most conflicts won by US military; last major conflict
was battle of Wounded Knee
 Assimilation
 Dawes Act (reservations broken up and sold to nuclear
families) and education

History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS8DEjd2QBg
Location/Population
 2 1/2 million in US
 540 recognized tribes
 Oklahoma- largest concentration
 1924: allowed to become US citizens
Language
 300 spoken in US
 Navajo- most widely spoken (followed by
Cree)

- used as code in World War II
http://www.lakhota.org/_images/status/expansion.gif
Religion
 Unseen powers exist
 Respect all life or destruction will result
 Worship strengthens bonds of community
 Trained, sacred practitioners pass on knowledge
 Traditions teach morals and ethics
 Humor is necessary
(eases the journey)
Holidays/Events
 Based on Earth’s rhythms
 Some Natives are Christians (celebrate
Christmas etc.)
 Sun Dance: healing ceremony
 Snake Dance: bring rain
Family Life
 Extended families
 Division of labor- male jobs/female jobs
 Children are highly valued
Living Conditions
 Most substandard
 28% below poverty level
 High unemployment (about 50%)
 Stress, depression, drug and alcohol abuse (3X
death rate) common
 Tourism ($) leading to better conditions (1988:
Indian Gaming Regulation Act)