Evolution of a Native American Society: A Journey Through Ancient History

As a Native American culture, the Chickasaw people broadly trace their ancestry back to the migratory peoples of the Paleo-Indian period, which spanned from roughly 10,000 BC - 8500 BC. Legend has it that the Chickasaws migrated for generations from “the place in the West” to settle in what is now the Southeast. The climate was drier and colder than today in the centuries after humans first migrated...

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Native History: 71-Day Wounded Knee Occupation Ends

This Date in Native History: On May 8, 1973, members of the American Indian Movement surrendered to federal authorities on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation, ending their legendary 71-day occupation of Wounded Knee. Set in the same impoverished village as the 1890 massacre, the siege began February 27 and is hailed as one of AIM’s greatest successes. About 200 Sioux Indians participated in...

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Pow Wow Etiquette: 10 Rules to Follow in and Out of the Arena

Whether you’re a novice or veteran attending a pow wow, certain behaviors are expected while you’re on the grounds or in the arena. Although customs may vary from tribe to tribe—and even from year to year—some basic rules remain the same. Some breaches of etiquette are simply considered disrespectful while others may result in the offender being removed from the arena. Here are some tips to make...

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Native History: It’s Memorial Day—In 1637, the Pequot Massacre Happened

This Date in Native History: On May 26, 1637, a Puritan force fortified by Native allies massacred a Pequot fort in Connecticut, killing as many as 500 men, women and children and burning the village to the ground. The pre-dawn attack on Mystic Fort marked the first time the Pequot were defeated, said Kevin McBride, an anthropology professor at the University of Connecticut and director of research...

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Why Native Americans fight and die for same US army that slew their ancestors

America's Native Americans are over-represented in military and post-9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have hit the Navajo hard 'The 9/11 decade: Virginia Jim with a photograph of her son, Lyle Cambridge, who died in Iraq in 2005. Credit: Laurence Topham Link to video: 9/11 10 years on: Mourning America's war dead The last time Virginia Jim spoke to her son Lyle Cambridge was in 2005 on...

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7 Native American Movies That Will Tomahawk Into Your Heart

Fighting against the powerful stupidity of racism are these stories and characters that refuse to wallow in a mire of stereotypes by displaying their humanity, be it good or evil. Let the quest for new age crystals or vegan fueled spirituality rest on other shoulders as you dive into these seven Native American movies that will tomahawk into your heart with joy, sorrow and action. “Pathfinder”. Hopefully...

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Russell Means, Native American activist turned actor, dies at age 72 less than a month before his 73rd birthday.

Russell Means, left, tells villagers on the Pine Ridge Reservation at Wounded Knee, SD, during a 1973 rally that they must continue their fight against the government. \SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Russell Means never shunned attention. Whether leading Native Americans in railing against broken federal treaties, appearing in a Hollywood blockbuster or advocating a sovereign American Indian nation...

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