American Indian

American Indian
Group	American Indian
Population	approximately 3.7 million
Regions	United States, Canada, Mexico
Languages	English, Spanish, Native American languages
Religions	Native American religion, Christianity, Traditional African religion

American Indian. The term American Indian refers to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, including Native Americans in the United States, First Nations in Canada, and Indigenous peoples of Mexico. American Indians have a rich and diverse history, with over 570 Federally recognized tribes in the United States, each with their own distinct culture, language, and traditions, such as the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Seminole Tribe of Florida. The history of American Indians is closely tied to the history of European colonization of the Americas, including the Voyages of Christopher Columbus, the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, and the French and Indian War.

Definition_and_Terminology

The definition and terminology surrounding American Indians are complex and have evolved over time, with terms such as Native American, Indigenous peoples, and Aboriginal peoples being used to describe the diverse groups of people who are the original inhabitants of the Americas. The term American Indian is often used interchangeably with Native American, although some people prefer the term Indigenous peoples to emphasize their connection to the land and their status as the original inhabitants of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service are two United States federal executive departments that work with American Indian tribes, including the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Seminole Tribe of Florida, to provide services and support. The National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund are two organizations that advocate for the rights and interests of American Indians, including Wilma Mankiller, Vine Deloria Jr., and Suzan Shown Harjo.

History

The history of American Indians is long and complex, with evidence of human habitation in the Americas dating back to the Pleistocene epoch, including the Clovis culture and the Folsom culture. The arrival of European colonizers, including Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortés, and Juan Ponce de León, had a profound impact on American Indian populations, leading to the loss of land, culture, and lives, as seen in the Trail of Tears, the California Gold Rush, and the Dawes Act. The Indian Removal Act and the Forced assimilation policies of the United States government further eroded American Indian rights and cultures, including the Boarding school system and the Indian Relocation Program. The Wounded Knee Massacre and the Sand Creek Massacre are two examples of the violent conflicts between American Indians and the United States military, including the 7th Cavalry Regiment (United States). The American Indian Movement and the National Congress of American Indians have worked to preserve American Indian cultures and advocate for their rights, including the Alcatraz Occupation, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

Culture

American Indian cultures are diverse and rich, with over 300 languages spoken and a wide range of traditional practices and customs, including the Sun Dance, the Powwow, and the Vision quest. The Native American Church and the Traditional African religion are two examples of the diverse spiritual practices of American Indians, including the Peyote religion and the Ghost Dance. The Art of the Americas is a vibrant and expressive reflection of American Indian cultures, including the Native American pottery, Native American jewelry, and Native American weaving. The Canyon de Chelly and the Mesa Verde National Park are two examples of the many National Park Service sites that preserve American Indian cultural and historical sites, including the Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the Hovenweep National Monument. The Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of the American Indian are two institutions that work to preserve and promote American Indian cultures, including the Native American art and the Native American literature.

Tribes_and_Reservations

There are over 570 federally recognized tribes in the United States, each with their own distinct culture, language, and traditions, including the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Seminole Tribe of Florida. The Indian Reorganization Act and the Tribal sovereignty movement have worked to preserve American Indian rights and cultures, including the Tribal college system and the Native American gaming. The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the Navajo Nation are two examples of the many reservations that are home to American Indian communities, including the Rosebud Indian Reservation and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service are two United States federal executive departments that work with American Indian tribes to provide services and support, including Wilma Mankiller, Vine Deloria Jr., and Suzan Shown Harjo.

Social_and_Economic_Issues

American Indians face a range of social and economic challenges, including high rates of poverty, Unemployment, and Health disparities, as seen in the Indian Health Service and the Tribal epidemiology centers. The Boarding school system and the Forced assimilation policies of the United States government have had a lasting impact on American Indian communities, including the Intergenerational trauma and the Cultural suppression. The Native American rights movement and the Tribal sovereignty movement have worked to address these issues and promote American Indian self-determination, including the American Indian Movement and the National Congress of American Indians. The Indian Child Welfare Act and the Tribal Law and Order Act are two examples of legislation that have been passed to address the unique challenges faced by American Indian communities, including the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 and the Savanna's Act.

Notable_American_Indians

There are many notable American Indians who have made significant contributions to their communities and to the world at large, including Wilma Mankiller, Vine Deloria Jr., and Suzan Shown Harjo. The Native American Rights Fund and the National Congress of American Indians are two organizations that have worked to promote American Indian rights and interests, including Clyde Bellecourt, Dennis Banks, and Russell Means. The American Indian Movement and the Occupation of Alcatraz are two examples of the many movements and events that have shaped American Indian history and culture, including the Wounded Knee incident and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of the American Indian are two institutions that have worked to preserve and promote American Indian cultures, including the Native American art and the Native American literature, and notable artists such as Fritz Scholder, Allan Houser, and Kay WalkingStick.

Category:Indigenous peoples of the Americas