Native Americans History and Culture

Lately, I have discovered a very short video on Native American History and Culture. I came to a conclusion that some historical facts are well worth mentioning as far as they would be helpful in portraying American Indians' tradition and culture, which is my primary aim.

In accordance with some scientists' researches, Native Americans are descendants of some hunters from Asia, who once crossed the land bridge between Russia and Alaska. As they arrived, they adapted to living in different parts of American Continent. That was the time, when various unique cultures were created. Here, I must explain the fact, that Native Americans ARE NOT one nation, as one may consider, but they are rather numerous, distinct tribes.

American Indians who settled the area of Great Plains, were known for hunting Buffalo, whereas main activity of tribes like Haida and Quileute ( indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast) was fishing. Their chief preoccupation was cutting cedar trees, a good material for houses, canoes or ceremonial totems. This information helps glimpse that various tribes, had their unique, distinctive cultures and traditions.

Things changed with the arrival of White people. Several diseases brought by them caused immeasurable decrease of Native Americans population. Europeans immediately started to expropriate the land inhabited by Indians. Some tribes, began to fight for their territory, others preferred to work with White people to reach an understanding. The result of both operations was the same. They were soon forced by the US government to leave the land and live on the reservations. However, Native Americans never stood idle and fought for their rights over the centuries.

It is worth noticing that there are more than 550 federally recognized tribes in United States today. They still live on the reservations and their ultimate aim is to improve conditions prevailing there. What is more, Native Americans constantly strive for preserving their languages, religions and cultural identities by organizing some traditional ceremonies, blending some ancient ways into modern life or reviving their traditional art forms.