American Indians

1. American Indians

2. California is the state with the most American Indians. Most of the tribes originally lived here. Other tribes came from across the country who moved to California.

3. The American Indians learned to adapt to the weather in their area. They studied their climate and they had a keen understanding of the areas they lived in.

4. The American Indians would never waste anything in their natural habitat. They would learn how to wisely use the plants, animals, earth and water to survive.

5. The American Indians taught others in their group whet they learned or believed in. Lessons got past down by them threw pictures, dances, customs and songs.

6. Life changed for American Indians when the Europeans came to America. They were not treated fairly and promises for them to have land were not kept.

7. The American Indians used to have thousands of members. Some today don’t have any members at all.

8. Today some groups no longer have any members that speak the tribes language. For example: The Wiyots speak only English today. However, young members are trying to learn their language by listening to old recordings.

9. Naomi Lang was an American Indian but now is an ice dancer. She was the first American Indian to compete in the winter Olympic games.

10. Some American Indians live in large cities or small towns. Others live on reservations that are home to many different groups.

11. The United States government today allows some tribes to run their own reservations. Each tribe makes its own constitutions and laws.