Native American Culture, Heritage and TraditionsNative American Culture, Heritage and Traditions

The story of the North American indigenous peoples is a story of loss, hardship, violence, betrayal, and misappropriation. It is also a story of community, spirituality, diversity, honor, and resilience. Long before Christopher Columbus stepped foot on what would come to be known as the Americas, the expansive territory was inhabited by Indigenous people known as Native Americans. In this historical program, we discuss the colonization of North America and the founding of the United States along with the early discrimination against Native Americans. Native American Indians are a unique civilization with a rich ancestry stemming back over dozens of centuries. Their societies of tribes, nations, and traditions once dominated American soil. Today, Native Indian Heritage is being reborn with ancient languages once again spoken, tradition and culture replenished and although scattered in reservations throughout the country, their heritage and culture continues. During the first half of the 19th century, the United States population witnessed a nearly five-fold expansion due to high birth rates and a rising tide of immigration from Europe. Westward migration exploded as Americans searched for new land and opportunities