Native Americans |
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Crazy Horse Monument - Black Hills, S.D. |
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Native Americans, the original inhabitants of North America, have lived on the continent for thousands of years. They developed rich cultures, languages, and traditions across diverse regions—ranging from the Iroquois in the Northeast and the Cherokee in the Southeast, to the Sioux (Lakota) in the Great Plains, and the Navajo in the Southwest. When European settlers arrived in the 15th and 16th centuries, Native communities faced dramatic changes, including disease, warfare, and loss of land. Throughout the 1700s and 1800s, U.S. policies like the Indian Removal Act forced many tribes off their homelands, resulting in tragic events such as the Trail of Tears. Despite centuries of displacement and marginalization, Native Americans have maintained their cultural identities and fought for legal recognition, land rights, and self-governance. Today, Native nations continue to thrive and preserve their heritage while advocating for sovereignty and justice. Their history is a vital part of the American story and reflects resilience in the face of great adversity. |
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