Native Americans

Introduction

The term Native Americans refers specifically to the descendants of people living in what is now the contiguous United States prior to the mass arrival of settlers from other continents. The United States Census combines Native Americans and Alaskan Natives for statistical purposes, although each tribal nation is culturally, linguistically, and politically distinct. The experts initially thought that the arrival of the first men in America dates back to 12,000 years ago, but recent archaeological discoveries would back the first migrations to more than 40,000 years. The culture of American Indians varies widely. The language, dress and customs vary greatly ...