Native Americans: the First People of America

A long, long time ago, before cars and skyscrapers, there were people living all over the land we call the United States. They are called Native Americans. They loved the earth, the sky, and the animals just like we do today.

1. Who Were the Native Americans?

• They are the first people who lived in North America.
• Different groups had different names, like the Navajo, Cherokee, Lakota, and Pueblo.
• Each group had its own language, just like how we speak English, Spanish, or other languages.

2. How They Lived

• Homes: Some built wigwams (round houses), others built long houses, and some lived in teepees that could be packed up and moved.
• Food: They grew corn, beans, and squash—called the “Three Sisters.” They also fished, hunted, and gathered berries.
• Clothing: They made clothes from animal skins and woven fibers, and they decorated them with bright beads.

3. Stories, Art, and Music

• Native Americans loved to tell stories about brave heroes and clever animals.
• They painted pictures on rocks, made beautiful pottery, and wove colorful blankets.
• Drums and flutes made music for dances and celebrations.

4. Why We Remember Them

• Their ideas about caring for the earth help us think about how to protect nature today.
• Many places we live in have names that come from Native American languages, like Ohio, Dakota, and Mississippi.

Did You Know?

The word “Tomato” comes from a Native American word! The plant was first grown by the Aztec people, and the name traveled all the way to English.

What to remember

Native American communities have rich histories, languages, arts, and stories. You can learn more by reading picture books, visiting museums, or listening respectfully to Native voices.