Books in Native Nations of North America series

When Spanish explorers came to the Southwest region of the United States in the 1600s, they found over 20,000 American Indians already living in the region. These American Indians were part of many different nations. They had their own languages and cultures, and they had developed ways to survive in the desert landscape. • Pueblo people lived in permanent villages made of adobe brick. • The Hopi had fifty different ways to cook and eat corn. • The Navajo created colorful pictures from sand, cornmeal, and pollen. Many American Indians still live in the Southwest. They make traditional jewelry, use their native languages, and run tourism programs at the Grand Canyon. Find out more about the history and culture of the native peoples of the Southwest.

As early as the 1500s, fur traders from Europe began to arrive in the Subarctic region of North America. These traders were greeted by the many groups of native peoples already living in the region. These native peoples had their own languages, cultures, and methods for hunting and surviving in this land where it snowed 200 days a year. Many native peoples still live throughout the Subarctic. They are working to revive their traditions and languages and preserve the land. Read more about the history and culture of the native peoples of the Subarctic.

Many of the foods we eat, the tools we use, the games we play, and even the ideas in which we believe, originated with North American Native peoples. Beautiful images and easy-to-follow text help young readers discover the Native traditions and practices that were adopted by European explorers, North American settlers, and other people around the world. The topics include- Native hunting and fishing practices that are still in use today- innovations in medicine and health that helped many people survive in North America- how Native beliefs of equality and democracy were adopted by North American governments

The native peoples of the northwest coast are often known by the totem poles they create. Made from cedar trees, totem poles were painted bright colors and featured both animal and human forms. Why these amazing pieces of art are created is just one of the interesting details readers will learn about the many native peoples who lived in modern-day Alaska, Oregon, Washington, northern California, and British Columbia. The main content features many social studies curriculum topics, including customs, clothing, and spirituality of native peoples. Full-color photographs and historical images enhance each chapter as specific native groups are highlighted throughout the book.

California is a land of varied landscapes, climates, and cultures. Before Europeans arrived in North America, more than twenty independent American Indian groups lived in this region. Their cultures were as diverse as the areas they called home. Along the coast, in the mountains, and in the desert, these nations developed ways of life shaped by their surroundings. • Every fall, the Miwok gathered acorns for food. They held a special festival to celebrate the harvest. • The Cahuilla held bird song ceremonies that lasted for days. Birds are said to tell the people's history through their singing. • The Yurok used mollusk shells called dentalia as money. Many twenty-first century American Indians still call California home. Find out what these nations have in common and what makes each of them unique.

A long time ago, before the Plains region of the United States was divided up into states such as Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, this land was home to American Indians. Twenty-eight unique Indian nations built homes and gathered food in the Plains. They spoke distinct languages, set up political systems, and made art. They used the natural resources available in their region in order to thrive. • The Wichita lived in houses made of grass. From the outside, they looked like giant haystacks. • Omaha and Ponca people wore caps made from eagleskin. • Lakota men carved flutes to play songs for the girls they hoped to marry. Many American Indians still live in the Plains region. Explore the history of these various nations and find out how their culture is still alive today.

Who were the first people to call the southeastern United States home? Long before Europeans came to the region, American Indian nations lived off the rich and varied land. These peoples had different languages, governments, and cultures. Their traditions and heritage were shaped by the climate and terrain of the American Southeast. • The Caddo traveled in canoes made from the wood of cypress trees. • The Seminole wove baskets from sweetgrass and dyed them with berries, nuts, and roots. • The Cherokee danced with rattles made of turtle shell strapped to their legs in what is called a stomp dance. Twenty-first century American Indians still call the Southeast home. Find out what these groups have in common and what makes each nation unique.

A thin strip of land and islands makes up the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States and Canada. This region has long been home to many groups of native peoples who spoke different languages and had distinct cultural practices. The native peoples of the Northwest thrived in this land of rocky beaches and cedar trees. • The Chinook developed a special language for trading with other nations. • The Kwakwaka'wakw created masks that could show two different faces. • The Bella Coola had a secret society that performed in a four-night winter ceremony. Many native peoples still live in the Northwest and continue to fish, carve totem poles, and work to preserve their land and cultures. Learn more about the unique history and cultures of the native peoples of the Northwest.

As early as the 1500s, fur traders from Europe began to arrive in the Subarctic region of North America. These traders were greeted by the many groups of native peoples already living in the region. These native peoples had their own languages, cultures, and methods for hunting and surviving in this land where it snowed 200 days a year. Many native peoples still live throughout the Subarctic. They are working to revive their traditions and languages and preserve the land. Read more about the history and culture of the native peoples of the Subarctic.