When we think about Native American history, many people might only know a few facts taught in school and found in books. However, there’s so much more to discover!
There are 574 federally recognized tribes in the U.S., with 229 of them located in Alaska. These tribes have a rich history filled with fascinating stories and contributions that often go unnoticed.
1. They Have Lived in America Since 12,000 B.C.
Native Americans have lived in America for a very long time, at least since 12,000 B.C. Some scientists believe they have been here even longer—up to 30,000 years.
Archaeologists keep discovering new evidence of the first humans in North America and studying how they moved across Alaska. After they arrived in North America, they continued to spread out.(ref)
2. They Didn’t Only Live in Teepees
While many Plains Indians lived in tipis, Native Americans across the continent had various types of homes. In the Southwest, they lived in hogans, which are made from wood and mud.
In the Northeast, they built wigwams and longhouses, and in the Arctic, they used igloos made from ice. (ref) This shows how Native Americans adapted their homes to fit the different environments they lived in.
3. They Spoke Over 300 Languages
Before 1492, Native Americans spoke more than 300 different languages across North America. Today, there are about 170 Native languages still spoken. (ref)
This diversity in language illustrates the rich cultures and traditions of Native American tribes. Each language carries its own stories and history.
4. They are Part of One of the Oldest Democracies in the World
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy, is one of the oldest democracies in the world. It was formed by several Native American tribes working together, including Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca.
They created a system of government that allowed for shared decision-making and cooperation among the tribes. The nations are brought together by the Great Law of Peace (Kaianere’ko:wa), which acts as their political constitution.
In the 18th century, the Tuscarora became the sixth nation to join the Confederacy. (ref)
5. They Worked with Buffalo Bill Cody
Buffalo Bill Cody was a famous figure in the Wild West, and he worked with many Native Americans during his shows. Cody grew his show from a small stage to a big event, almost like a small town.
He hired real Native warriors to act as Native warriors.
Gunslingers and cowboys also joined the show. Later, he added Zulu warriors, Mexican vaqueros, Turks, and many other performances. (ref)
6. They Started the First Newspaper in a Native American Language in 1828
On February 21, 1828, they published the first newspaper in a Native American language called the Cherokee Phoenix. This newspaper was printed in both English and Cherokee in New Echota, Georgia. (ref)
It was important because it gave Native Americans a way to share news and communicate in their own language. It showed their desire to keep their culture alive and to be informed about their rights and issues affecting their communities.
7. They Grew Many of the World’s Most Important Crops
Native Americans were skilled farmers who grew many important crops. Corn (maize), for example, was developed by Indigenous farmers in southern Mexico and Guatemala around 10,000 years ago. (ref)
By the time European colonists came to North America, Native Americans had been growing corn for thousands of years. They also grew other crops like beans, squash, potatoes, and tomatoes, which are still important foods today.
Their farming practices helped shape agriculture around the world.
8. They Were Forced to Move by the Indian Relocation Act in 1830
In 1830, the U.S. government passed the Indian Relocation Act, which forced many Native Americans to leave their homes and move to other areas. (ref) Known as the Trail of Tears, this was a very difficult time for them, as they lost their land and way of life.
Native Americans were not granted American citizenship until 1924, (ref) which shows how long they were treated unfairly. Many tribes continue to fight for their rights and recognition today.
9. The Largest Tribal Land in the U.S. is the Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation is the largest tribal land in the U.S. It covers almost 27,000 square miles, including parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Many Navajo people live there, and they have their own government and culture. (ref)
The Navajo Nation has a rich history and is known for its beautiful landscapes, traditional crafts, and strong community values. Living on such a large piece of land allows them to preserve their culture and way of life.
10. They Inspired Many Inventions
Native Americans have inspired many inventions that we still use today. For example, they helped create syringes, pain relievers, sunscreen, mouthwash, suppositories, and baby bottles. (ref)
Their knowledge of plants and natural medicine contributed to these important tools and products, showing their impact on modern life.
11. They Served in World War II as Code Talkers
Many Native Americans served in World War II. One well-known group was the Navajo (or Diné) code talkers. (ref) They used their traditional language to send secret messages for the Allies during battles in the Pacific.
Their unique language helped the military communicate without the enemy understanding, proving to be a crucial part of the war effort.
12. They Use Totem Poles for Family Heritage
Totem poles are important symbols for northwest Native Americans, showing family and clan connections. They are mainly visual representations of kinship, depicting family crests and clan membership.
For example, some Kwakwaka’wakw families from northern Vancouver Island have totem poles that feature the Thunderbird crest and stories about their family. (ref) These poles help tell the history and identity of the people.
13. Native American Names across the U.S.
Many places in the United States are named after Native Americans. One example is Connecticut, which comes from the word Quinnitukqut. This word means “long river” in the language of the Mohegan tribe, referring to the longest river in New England.
Other names include Kentucky, a variant of Kentake, which is believed to derive from Iroquoian words for “meadow” or “field,” and Massachusetts, which is derived from Massachuset, a Wampanoag Indian name meaning “by the hills.” (ref)
14. They Had Many Women Warriors
Many Native American women were warriors and played important roles in their communities. About 20% of Native Americans serving in the military today are women. (ref)
The Blackfeet woman Running Eagle is famous not only as a warrior but also as a war chief. She led hundreds of men on raids and died in battle at the age of 30, likely around 1850.
Buffalo Calf Road Woman, from the Northern Cheyenne, was already a mother when she fought. (ref)
15. They Originated the Mohawk Hairstyle
The Mohawk hairstyle, characterized by a strip of longer hair in the center of the head with the sides shaved and often worn by the punk subculture, has its origins with Native Americans.
This hairstyle is often associated with the Mohawk tribe and has become a symbol of cultural identity. The name Mohawk comes from what their enemies called them, which meant man-eaters or fierce warriors.
They were part of the Iroquois Confederacy, a group that formed in the 1600s. (ref)
Learning about these little-known facts helps us appreciate the rich culture and the struggles that Native Americans have faced.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
