The indigenous peoples of the United States and Canada have contributed significantly to the politics, histories, and traditions of both countries and to world culture and world history. Go inside Britannica to see new and updated articles on the traditional cultures, histories, and current affairs of these peoples.
Native Americans Today
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the state of Native American peoples has changed considerably. Major developments have occurred in relation to the
welfare of children, religious freedom, cultural heritage law, economic development, and participation in the global indigenous community.
Cultural Traditions
Native American peoples are often grouped according to a combination of geography and culture. Be the first to experience Britannica's newly updated content on North America’s 10 major culture areas:
Are You Curious About Contemporary Native American Life?
Did you ever wonder…
Sovereignty and the Law
In recognition of their inherent political sovereignty, or right to self-government, the treaties and royal proclamations that were made during the European colonial conquest have guaranteed Native Americans a variety of legal rights
that are unique among North American ethnic groups. Many legal documents from centuries past continue to affect the daily life of Native Americans, including:
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The Iroquois Confederacy
The creation of the Iroquois Confederacy.
Acquired from Vast Video
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Wilma Mankiller
Wilma Mankiller offering her views on economic policies that would best assist Native Americans, at the Economic Summit in Little Rock, Arkansas, on December 15, 1992.
Acquired from Vast Video
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Seed Banks: The Seeds of Salvation
by Gregory McNamee
On a low bluff overlooking the Missouri River, a Mandan farmer sows a handful of seeds in a bed of sandy, barren soil. In three months tall rows of long-tasseled white corn will obscure his view of the river valley. The crop will be resistant to most of the diseases that affect... (read more)
The Britannica Blog is a place to share smart, lively conversations on just about any topic.
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In 1492, the population of North America was much more diverse than was the population in Europe. When measured in terms of language groups--the most common scholarly measure of past ethnic diversity--there were more than 50 American Indian Language families and 300-500 languages. In contrast, Europe had only 2 language families and some 40-70 languages. Today, immersion schools -- where the full curriculum is taught in an indigenous language -- are on the rise.
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