Native American
Territories
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At
certain periods during the Pleistocene epoch, the temperatures
turned cold enough to freeze much of the earth's water
into ice. The sea level dropped as much as 90 m (300 ft)
and the shallow Bering Strait between Alaska and Siberia
became a natural land bridge on which grazing animals,
and the humans who stalked them, passed. Most anthropologists
believe that Native Americans descend from Asian peoples
who moved into North America by way of this land bridge.
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Arctic Region
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1.
Greenland Inuit (Kalaallit)
2. Labrador Inuit
3. Central Inuit
4. Banks Island Inuit
5. Western Artic Inuit (Inuvialuit)
6. Alaskan Inuit
7. Alaskan Yuit
8. Siberian Yuit, Aleut |
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The
Arctic region in Alaska and northern Canada remained uninhabitable
until about 2000 BC, when the glaciers in the region melted.
After that time populations grew slowly, as the harsh climate
and minimal light inhibited vegetation and prevented agricultural
production. As a result of this limitation on food resources,
inhabitants of the region have survived by hunting and fishing
in small groups.
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Subarctic Region
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The
harsh climate of North America's Subarctic region, which covers
most of Canada, inhibited population growth. Agriculture was
impossible due to short summers and extended annual freeze periods.
Indigenous communities survived as nomads, hunting moose and
caribou and fishing for needed food and living resources.
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Northwest Pacific
Coast Region
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Rich
sea harvests supported large communities of Native Americans
along North America's northwestern coast. Extended families
lived in wooden dwellings and would gather for costumed
rituals. Communities often traveled to neighboring settlements
to participate in special ceremonial feasts called potlatches.
The peoples of the Northwest Coast culture are known for
their wood-working skills and their distinctive wood carvings.
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Eastern Woodlands
Region
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The
Eastern Woodlands region includes the northeastern United States
and southeastern Canada. Many distinct cultures developed in
this area and date as far back as 7000 BC. The peoples of the
region along the Atlantic Ocean seaboard benefited from a favorable
climate and rich natural resources, until the climate changed
after 1000 BC. Then midwestern cultures arose, such as the Mississippian
culture, which is known for building large communities, precursors
to modern cities, with the principal structures resting on mounds,
or earth platforms.
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Plateau Region
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The
Plateau people in northwestern North America hunted deer
and small game, while gathering fruits and nuts from wild
plants in the region. They also supplemented their diet
from the region's rich salmon runs. Most salmon were caught
in the Columbia and Snake rivers. The Native Americans
dried the fish, preserving it as a staple for trade and
winter consumption.
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Plains Region
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Europeans
conquered the Plains Native Americans during the 19th
century and subjected them to the publicity of newspapers,
magazines, and photographs. The mass media exposed the
Plains cultures to a wide audience, and as a result the
Plains are the most documented and stereotyped of the
Native American populations.
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Southeast Region
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Many
Native American tribes of the Southeast culture region engaged
in warfare as a major activity. Warriors tatooed their bodies
with artwork signifying brave deeds, and battles were often
waged for personal or tribal glorification. Elaborate ceremonies
preceded and followed most major battles, where warriors would
invoke religious spirits, consume medicines, and perform dances.
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Southwest Region
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Early
inhabitants of the Southwest Region relied heavily on hunting.
As livestock died out, groups emigrated north from Mexico, bringing
farming techniques to the region. Towns and communities developed
around the agricultural production, building terraced stone
or adobe apartments around central plazas. Eventually, these
towns would lose their autonomy, to be dominated by Spain, then
Mexico, then the United States.
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California-Intermountain
Region
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Native
Americans in the California-Intermountain region relied
on a wealth of natural resources for sustenance and trade.
Along the Pacific Coast, they hunted fish and sea mammals,
including sea lions and dolphins. In the interior, they
hunted deer and other wildlife, as well as harvested wild
nuts and grains. The Native Americans of this region also
established a monetary system, using shells for currency,
which facilitated trade among their various communities.
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Early Peoples of
Mesoamerica
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This
map shows the locations of the groups that existed before the
arrival of European explorers.
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"Maps"
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001 © 1997-2001 Microsoft
Corporation. All rights reserved.
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