February 26, 2025 | Peter Kinney

Native American History They Don't Teach In School


Unveiling Native American Legacies

You cannot always take everything at face value, even historical information. Here are 44 pieces of information about Native Americans the history books forgot (or decided) to include (or omit).

Native American

Native Americans Have Possibly Lived Since 1150 AD

Acoma Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the US, dates back to at least 1150 AD. Known as "Sky City," its terraced homes and communal traditions remain central to its people’s identity. However, Native American presence in North America extends back over 10,000 years.

File:Acoma Pueblo - 5737275219.jpgFrank_am_Main on Wikimedia

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They Built The Adena Mounds With Advanced Techniques

Native Americans constructed these towering earthworks between 1000 BCE and 200 BCE, likely for ceremonial and burial purposes. These structures showcase advanced engineering despite the lack of modern tools. Visitors encounter silent guardians of a past civilization that still fascinates archaeologists and anyone curious about prehistoric society.

File:Miamisburg Mound on June 7, 2024.jpgTruelyNotGlassfoot on Wikimedia

The Hohokam Created Ingenious Canal Systems

The Hohokam, an ancient Native American culture in present-day Arizona, developed ingenious canal networks around 300 CE and harnessed rivers near modern Phoenix. These canals turned barren soil into fertile farmland, supporting crops in an otherwise arid zone.

File:Hohokam Canal.jpgMWyattB on Wikimedia

The Horse Revolutionized Their Plains Life

Horses, introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century, transformed Plains cultures by improving mobility, hunting efficiency, warfare, and trade networks. Their arrival reshaped warfare and daily life for many tribes. Oral accounts remember the moment these nations embraced equine allies, and it forged legendary stories of adaptation and opportunity.

File:Columbia Plateau Native Americans on horses 1908 Benjamin Gifford.jpgBenjamin A. Gifford on Wikimedia

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The Iroquois Influenced American Governance

The Iroquois Confederacy’s Great Law of Peace outlined governance, consensus-building, and leadership principles. Some historians suggest it influenced aspects of the US Constitution, though the extent remains debated. Nonetheless, connections between Confederate governance and later democratic frameworks remain a lively topic among researchers and cultural observers.

File:Constitution of the United States, page 1.jpgConstitutional Convention on Wikimedia

Cahokia Was A Thriving Urban Center

Cahokia, a pre-Columbian city near present-day St. Louis, flourished between 1050 and 1350 CE. At its peak, it housed tens of thousands and featured complex trade networks, massive earthen mounds, plazas, and an advanced society. Ongoing excavations yield fresh insights.

File:Cahokia Mounds -- UNESCO reconstruction.jpgThank You (24 Millions ) views on Wikimedia

Pueblo Bonito Alignments Revealed Astronomical Knowledge

During the middle and late 800s, Pueblo Bonito and other great houses, including Una Vida, were constructed with precise alignments to solar, lunar, and cardinal directions. These structures featured sophisticated astronomical markers, allowing inhabitants to track celestial events.

File:Pueblo Bonito Aerial.JPGBob Adams, Albuquerque, NM on Wikimedia

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Over 300 Indigenous Languages Existed Before Colonization

Before European colonization, over 300 Indigenous languages thrived across North America. Each language carried distinct traditions and worldviews. Today, revitalization efforts aim to preserve these vital cultural connections with immersion schools and community programs.

File:October in Navajo.jpgCLS Research Office from Saskatoon, Canada on Wikimedia

Hopi Farming Techniques Are Ancient And Ingenious

The Hopi were an ingenious tribe because they built terraced fields and rock alignments to collect scarce rainfall, allowing corn to flourish in a desert environment. The leaders ensure that this local wisdom passed down over centuries leads to continued success despite limited water. Each harvest: a deep-rooted tradition.

josealbafotosjosealbafotos on Pixabay

The Navajo Nation Spreads Over 27,000 Square Miles

This reservation surpasses 27,000 square miles and stretches across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah—weaving, sheep herding, and code-talking highlight this nation’s heritage. And it lives on because modern councils govern a lively culture that balances enduring customs and the demands of contemporary life.

File:Amended Navajo Nation Flag.jpgJay R. Degroat on Wikimedia

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Cherokee Pottery Continues A Rich Tradition

Carved or stamped patterns of the Cherokee unite daily needs with symbolic designs transmitted through generations. Vessels blend function and artistic vision in equal measure. Museums and home displays celebrate this craft and showcase how history and creativity continue hand-in-hand in many Cherokee communities.

File:Cherokee Indian pottery and bread worker -- Cherokee Indian Reservation, North Carolina (5755492209).jpgBoston Public Library on Wikimedia

Alutiiq Kayaks Survived Alaska’s Harsh Coastal Waters

Skin-on-frame kayak vessels provided security for hunting expeditions along Alaska’s challenging coast. All it took was an intimate knowledge of the ocean and weather to escort these watercraft. Thankfully, they were durable enough to handle ice-laced waves, and each kayak ensured that families could gather vital resources despite the ruggedness.

Alutiiq KayaksAt Kodiak AK suipiaq alutiiq kayak design flexibility for speed GEFerris AVI 12 18 17 by gail ferris

Inupiaq Whale Hunts Are Vital To Community Survival

Arctic families would work together each season, relying on harpoons and traditional ice movement. Whale and seal harvests sustain entire villages through brutal winters. Then, the shared protocols and mutual trust define a practice that endures despite environmental challenges and changing global pressures.

File:026b Humpback whale jump and splash Photo by Giles Laurent.jpgGiles Laurent on Wikimedia

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Totem Poles Tell Stories Of Northwest Native Cultures

Cedar trunks are secret waiting to be told because they hold mythic creatures and stories that have been around for centuries. Haida and others preserve carving knowledge for future generations. These vertical storytellers intertwine history and identity, which stand as cultural markers of identity along coastal areas.

File:Totem Poles in Stanley Park Vancouver 2016.jpgSharonlflynn on Wikimedia

The Ghost Dance Was A Spiritual Movement For Renewal

The Ghost Dance, a religious movement in the late 19th century, aimed to restore Indigenous lands and ways of life. This did not sit well with the US authorities, who saw it as a threat, leading to violent suppression, including the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, where hundreds were killed.

File:Arapaho Ghost Dance, 1900 - NARA - 530915.jpgUnknown authorUnknown author or not provided on Wikimedia

Turquoise Trade Linked Southwestern Communities

Sparkling stones were the connectors of settlements from Mesa Verde to Mesoamerica through trade spanning hundreds of miles. In this trade, artisans fashioned jewelry, mosaics, and religious items using vibrant turquoise. Archaeological finds later reveal an extensive network linking distant communities long before European explorers arrived.

File:Turquoise with quartz.jpgAramgutang~commonswiki on Wikimedia

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The Pueblo Revolt Of 1680 Was A Victory For Native Autonomy

In 1680, the Pueblo peoples of present-day New Mexico united to expel Spanish colonizers, reclaiming their land and traditions. This successful revolt kept the Spanish out for over a decade. Leaders coordinated a massive uprising after decades of imposed missions and oppression, and they still celebrate this event today.

File:Loren Mozley Pueblo Revolt 1680 installed 1936 ABQ NM.jpgLoren Mozley for TRAP (USgov), 1936 on Wikimedia

Seminole Resistance In Florida’s Wetlands

The Seminole fiercely resisted US removal policies by using Florida’s swampy terrain to their advantage. Through three Seminole battles(1817–1858), they fought to retain their land, with some never surrendering. The dense vegetation and waterlogged trails provided natural defenses, and they aided their resistance in these times. 

File:The American Soldier, 1839.jpgH. Charles McBarron, Jr. on Wikimedia

Ojibwe Wild Rice Harvesting Is A Sacred Tradition

For generations, the Ojibwe people have harvested wild rice, or manoomin, a gift from the Creator and a part of their cultural identity. Paddling through shallow lakes, harvesters use wooden sticks to gently knock ripe grains into their canoes. This sustainable practice preserves both tradition and the delicate wetland ecosystems.

File:Wild rice harvesting 19th century.jpgS. Eastman on Wikimedia

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Yurok Tribe Views Salmon As A Lifeline

Salmon might be just a meal, but to the Yurok people—they are central to culture, spirituality, and survival. Ceremonies honor the Klamath River’s annual salmon runs to reinforce the land and water connection. Tribal leaders and environmental groups always worked to restore and maintain the river’s health.

gray fish jumping over body of water surrounded with plantsDrew Farwell on Unsplash

Wampum Belts Were Diplomatic Tools

Eastern Woodlands nations used wampum belts—artifacts made from shell beads—for storytelling, ceremonial gifts, and recording agreements and events to record treaties and history. Haudenosaunee leaders presented them at councils to affirm commitments. Europeans saw them as currency, overlooking their deeper role in preserving agreements and cultural memory across generations.

File:Wampum belts - NARA - 523577.jpgUnknown authorUnknown author or not provided on Wikimedia

Haudenosaunee Clan Mothers Held Key Leadership Roles

As matriarchs, clan mothers appointed or removed chiefs under the Great Law of Peace to ensure a balanced governance. They upheld traditions, guided diplomacy, and protected communal well-being. Some scholars argue their consensus-driven leadership influenced US democratic principles, sparking debate over Indigenous contributions to American political systems.

File:Native American women and infant on porch, circa 1900 (MOHAI 12915).jpgThompson, Mabel Elizabeth (Denny) on Wikimedia

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The Three Sisters Were Vital To Agricultural Practices

Corn, beans, and squash (a triple threat of sorts) support each other in fields, which increases yields while nourishing the soil. Bean vines climb corn stalks, and squash leaves shield the ground. Farmers noted sustainable benefits from this low-impact method and taught it across countless generations.

The Three SistersGarlan Miles, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Rock Art Preserves Ancient Native Histories

Symbols marked on canyon walls tell of hunts and community rituals. Even though they have been weathering over centuries, they still hint at the art’s age. Researchers interpret these motifs, though most times, the exact meanings often remain with descendant communities that preserve the context for these precious engravings.

Rock ArtI Found an Abandoned Native American City - Hiking & Camping in Snow Storm by Outdoor Boys

Shoshone Basketry Is A Functional Art Form

With skillful weaving, the Shoshone turned sagebrush and sumac into sturdy baskets for carrying seeds and water. These pieces were beautifully patterned, and they seamlessly blended function with artistry. Passed down through generations, basket-making kept traditions alive. It's true: Survival and culture could go hand in hand.

File:Shouldered jar, oval - Great Basin, Timbisha Shoshone - 1917.466 -Cleveland Museum of Art.jpgUnknown authorUnknown author  on Wikimedia

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Taos Pueblo Is A Living Link To The Past

For over 1,000 years, the Taos Pueblo people have lived in multi-story adobe homes near the Rio Pueblo, maintaining traditions through generations. This UNESCO World Heritage location represents one of the oldest continuously populated communities in North America. Residents balance ancient practices with modern life despite changing times.

File:Taos Pueblo 1992.jpgJohn Fyfe on Wikimedia

Traditional Ecological Knowledge Reveals Reciprocal Ties To The Earth

Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Potawatomi writer and scientist, merges traditional knowledge with biology to highlight the reciprocal relationships between humans and nature. Her work emphasizes understanding plants and ecosystems as interconnected teachers, and she offers valuable perspectives on both environmental and cultural sustainability.

File:INconversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer (53043186149).jpgIndiana Humanities on Wikimedia

Innu People Track Caribou Across Labrador’s Tundra

The Innu have followed caribou migrations across the vast Labrador tundra for generations by only relying on ancestral knowledge. Careful observation of the land’s subtle changes guides their journeys. These traditional paths strengthen cultural identity and honor a deep connection to nature.

brown deer223 223 on Unsplash

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Cultural Misrepresentations Of Native History Challenged

Vine Deloria Jr’s Custer Died for Your Sins called out broken treaties and misleading portrayals of Native history. His sharp critiques gave activists a voice and a roadmap for change. Over time, his work helped shift conversations and pushed for Indigenous sovereignty and a more honest look at history.

Vine Deloria JrVine Deloria Jr. on Our Relationship to the Unseen by Sacred Land Film Project

Code Talkers Played A Key Role In Both World Wars

During World conflicts, Native American Code Talkers, including Navajo, Comanche, and other tribes, used their languages to transmit unbreakable battlefield messages. Their contributions remained classified for decades before receiving proper recognition. Their bravery saved countless lives, but official recognition came decades later, finally honoring these linguistic warriors.

File:Navajo code talker Thomas Begay.jpgUnited States Department of Veterans Affairs on Wikimedia

Plains Quillwork Preceded Beadwork in Native Art

Dyed porcupine quills decorated clothing and accessories long before glass beads came through trade. Colors and shapes told personal or tribal stories. Today’s quillwork continues to blend artistry and cultural pride, which forms a thread that runs back many generations.

File:Suit, Siksika, early 1900s, elk hide, porcupine quills, natural dyes, weasel pelts - Glenbow Museum - DSC00958.JPGDaderot on Wikimedia

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Potlatch Gatherings Fostered Community Ties

Among the Kwakwaka’wakw and other coastal communities, feasts and gift-giving reinforced social ties over personal wealth. Hosts gained respect by giving away possessions, not hoarding them. Colonial bans tried to suppress these traditions, but they persisted in showing the resilience of a deeply rooted cultural practice.

Potlatch GatheringsEdward S. Curtis, Wikimedia Commons

Powwows Celebrate And Strengthen Cultural Bonds

Intertribal celebrations bring drumming and singing to center stage. Regalia adorned with feathers and beads merges custom with creativity. These gatherings strengthen cultural bonds and encourage younger generations to appreciate traditions that stand firm across changing times.

File:Grand Portage Pow Wow 2009.JPGWpwatchdog on Wikimedia

The Basketmaker Period Marks A Shift In Southwestern Life

Over many centuries, people transitioned from roaming hunters to settled farmers. This period laid the groundwork for future developments in Puebloan communities, and it revealed a slow yet profound change. Woven baskets and improved planting styles shaped daily life. 

The BasketmakerNational Parks Service, US Department of the Interior, Wikimedia Commons

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Tlingit Oral Histories Preserve Generations Of Knowledge

Clan migrations and moral teachings remain living narratives passed down by elders. Younger members would learn these accounts in communal settings. Even without written records, careful storytelling preserves an identity that continues to influence cultural values and social norms.

File:Young Native American boy in traditional dress, probably Washington State (4951754188).jpgUW Digital Collections on Wikimedia

Earth Lodges Adapted To The Northern Plains Climate

Timber frames and packed sod provided reliable shelter near the Missouri River, controlling interior temperatures year-round. Communal living spaces and farming practices sustained these villages. Such constructions highlight an adaptable spirit, which is important for settlements in unpredictable climates.

File:Apache Wickiup, Edward Curtis, 1903.jpgEdward S. Curtis on Wikimedia

Maya Codices Contained Knowledge Of Astronomy and Rituals

Mathematics, astronomy, and rituals filled bark-paper books created by scribes. Most were burned following European conquest, which erased a significant record of ancient expertise. Scholars study what remains to piece together knowledge about a civilization that matches global learning centers.

File:Dresden Codex pp.58-62 78.jpgUnknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia

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The Makah Tribe Continues Whaling Traditions

The Makah’s whaling traditions on Washington's coast spark debates over treaty rights and conservation. Using canoes and harpoons, they honor ceremonies passed down for centuries. While some saw a conflict between tradition and environmental concerns, for the Makah, it’s about preserving both culture and a way of life.

blue whale on seaTodd Cravens on Unsplash

The Indian Child Welfare Act Strengthens Tribal Rights

For years, Native children were taken from their families and placed in non-Native homes, weakening cultural connections. The 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) gave tribes a say in child placement to protect heritage and identity. While legal challenges persist, ICWA remains vital in addressing past injustices.

File:Carlisle pupils.jpgUnknown authorUnknown author on Wikimedia

Bison Restoration Brings Healing To Tribal Lands

Herds once provided vital resources for food, clothing, and shelter until decimation by overhunting. Today’s restoration projects return bison to tribal lands, and they renew ecosystems and ancestral connections. Each animal’s reintroduction sparks hope for reclaimed heritage and balance on the prairies.

brown American bison on green grass at daytimePhilip Brown on Unsplash

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Lacrosse’s Origins Are Rooted In Native American Culture

Oh yes, you read right; Lacrosse's origins are Native American. Haudenosaunee nations played this game as medicine and a unifying sport, and the early matches focused on healing and social harmony. Present-day tournaments honor the original spirit while showcasing athletic skill, blending centuries-old beliefs with contemporary global competitions.

File:Ball players.jpgGeorge Catlin on Wikimedia

Floral Beadwork Tells Stories In Plateau Cultures

Salish, Nez Perce, and neighboring groups embraced glass beads from trade routes to create lively floral patterns on clothing and horse regalia. Designs carried personal meaning or recorded family heritage. This tradition remains widespread, and it bridges past and present in eye-catching fashion.

File:Nat Am beadwork sampler.jpgUyvsdi on Wikimedia

Lakota Winter Counts Documented Key Historical Events

Symbols painted on hides documented each year’s big event, from harsh cold snaps to battles and ceremonies. Knowledge keepers recited these images, which formed a pictorial diary shared across generations. Such records maintained an evolving connection between people and their lived history.

File:Kiowa Anko calendar on buckskin - NARA - 523631.jpgUnknown authorUnknown author or not provided on Wikimedia

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Dine Sandpainting Restores Harmony In Sacred Ceremonies

During Navajo healing ceremonies, intricate sand paintings come to life, created with colored sands placed by hand. These sacred designs were spiritual tools meant to restore balance and harmony. Once the ceremony ends, the sand is swept away to symbolize life’s impermanence and the energy flowing through each creation.

File:Navajos sandpainting.jpgMullarky Photo. on Wikimedia


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