Identity and the Survival of Native America: A History of Resilience and Adaptation

Native American identity is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been shaped by centuries of history and experience. From the forced removal of tribes from their ancestral lands to the assimilation policies of the United States government, Native Americans have faced numerous challenges to their cultural identity. However, they have also found ways to maintain their traditions and beliefs, even in the face of adversity. This article explores the history of Native American identity and the ways in which it has survived and evolved over time.

The Pre-Columbian Era

Before the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, Native Americans lived in a wide variety of cultures and societies. They spoke hundreds of different languages and had diverse religious beliefs and practices. However, they also shared a common set of values and traditions that helped to define their identity as Native Americans. These values included a deep respect for the land and a strong sense of community and kinship.

Real Indians: Identity and the Survival of Native America

by Conn Iggulden

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Language	:	English
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The arrival of Europeans in the Americas had a profound impact on Native American identity. European diseases, warfare, and displacement forced many tribes to abandon their traditional lands and ways of life. However, some tribes were able to adapt to the changing circumstances and maintain their cultural identity.

The Colonial Era

The colonial era was a time of great change and upheaval for Native Americans. European settlers encroached on their lands, and the United States government implemented a series of policies designed to assimilate Native Americans into white society. These policies included the forced removal of tribes from their ancestral lands, the establishment of boarding schools for Native American children, and the outlawing of traditional religious practices.

Despite these challenges, many Native Americans were able to maintain their cultural identity. They adapted their traditions to the new circumstances and found ways to continue practicing their beliefs and customs. For example, some tribes established new communities on reservations, while others adopted Christianity and blended it with their traditional beliefs.

The 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of both progress and setbacks for Native Americans. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 helped to restore some of their rights and freedoms, and the American Indian Movement (AIM) of the 1960s and 1970s raised awareness of Native American issues. However, Native Americans continued to face discrimination and poverty, and their cultural identity was still under threat.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement among Native Americans to reclaim their cultural identity and traditions. This movement has been led by a new generation of Native American activists and artists who are working to revitalize their languages, cultures, and spiritual practices.

Native American identity has been shaped by centuries of resilience and adaptation. Despite the challenges they have faced, Native Americans have maintained their cultural identity and traditions. Today, Native Americans are a vibrant and diverse community with a rich cultural heritage. They continue to play an important role in American society, and their contributions to art, music, literature, and politics have enriched the lives of all Americans.

References

* National Museum of the American Indian * National Congress of American Indians * Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Real Indians: Identity and the Survival of Native America

by Conn Iggulden

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2066 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE