America.gov-

American Indian History, Culture

Helen I. Rouce, Louise Fenner — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:25:42 -0400

A list of stories on American Indian history, government and culture show how North America’s indigenous peoples continue to enrich the U.S. experience.

Artist Offers 21st-Century Interpretations of the American West

Lauren Monsen — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:22:44 -0400

The American West provided a spectacular backdrop to some of the most compelling narratives in the early history of America, which artists and photographers continue to explore. America.gov examines how artist John Nieto is reinterpreting icons of the American West for a 21st century audience.

New U.S. Coin Series to Honor American Indians

Louise Fenner — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:17:44 -0400

Contributions made by American Indians to the history and culture of the United States will be celebrated on a new series of $1 coins beginning early in 2009. The coins are a redesign of the Sacagawea dollar first issued in 2000 and will feature new images on the back of that dollar each year.

American Indian Heritage Month Links

Louise Fenner — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:59:31 -0400

This document contains links to Web sites related to American Indian Heritage Month and other online resources.

Laws Reflect Changing Status of American Indians in U.S. History

Peggy B. Hu — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:23:29 -0400

The history of U.S. legislation regarding American Indians reveals changing societal attitudes on their status -- from members of fully sovereign nations, to dependents of the U.S. government, to holders of a quasi dual-citizenship. Here are some significant laws affecting American Indians:

U.S. Honors Contributions of American Indians, Alaska Natives

Louise Fenner — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:31:16 -0400

There are nearly 5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States, 1.6 percent of the U.S. population. Each November, National American Indian Heritage Month pays tribute to the first Americans and celebrates their enduring contributions to the history and culture of the United States.

United States Respects Indian Tribes' Right to Self-Determination

Peggy B. Hu and Jeffrey Thomas — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:19:15 -0400

Many people are puzzled when they hear the U.S. president use such phrases as “government-to-government basis with tribal governments,” “tribal sovereignty” or “self-determination” for American Indians. American Indian tribes are considered "domestic dependent nations" within the United States.

Navajo Healers, Sand Paintings Keep Tribal Traditions Alive

Lauren Monsen — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:54:22 -0400

The Navajo people of the southwestern United States follow the Navajo Way, a spiritual code that relies on traditional healers, chants and sand paintings to emphasize the importance of restoring balance and harmony with nature. Navajo medicine people serve not only as healers but as historians for the tribe.

Navajo Textbook Aims to Preserve Language, Culture

Jeffrey Thomas — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:57:58 -0400

New Mexico is the first U.S. state to approve a textbook that teaches a Native American language -- Diné Bizaad Bínáhoo'aah or Rediscovering the Navajo Language. The authors hope their work will help preserve Navajo and serve as a model and inspiration for other threatened languages and cultures.

American Indians Seek Greater Understanding, Recognition

Jeffrey Thomas — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:15:01 -0400

A new study shows continuing misconceptions about American Indians but also reveals that their history and culture is of interest to non-Indians. American Indians may feel isolated, misunderstood and culturally threatened, but they are proud of their accomplishments and believe their lives are improving.

American Indian Regalia Dazzles at National Powwow

Louise Fenner — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:52:13 -0400

Eyes and ears barely can take in all the colors and the swirling fringe, the singing and drumbeats that fill the air during the grand entry at the biennial National Powwow in Washington, D.C.. Men, women and children from 250 American Indian tribes celebrate their culture and honor military veterans.

National Powwow Honors American Indian Cultural Traditions

Lauren Monsen — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:51:21 -0400

Bringing together American Indians from many tribes to dance, sing and share traditions, powwows are held in the United States from March to September. The largest on the East Coast is the National Powwow in Washington that attracts members of some 250 tribes from the United States and Canada.

American Indian Musicians Make Many Kinds of Music

Louise Fenner — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 09:57:42 -0400

American Indian musicians are composing and playing not only traditional music but also works for string quartets, chamber and symphony orchestras, ballet and opera, plus experimental works, jazz, rap and reggae. The First Nations Composer Initiative helps foster their musical and artistic development.