Native Americans: Home

The Trail of Tears marked the low point in Cherokee history. The survivors of that deadly event set a new course, rebuilding their lives in an unfamiliar land. Their descendants have prospered in modern America but always remember their culture and past.

The Chumash thrived along the Pacific coast in California for centuries. But eventually new settlers wanted their land and forced the Chumash into a new way of life. Today, the Chumash celebrate their traditions as they move toward the future in modern America.

The Trail of Tears tragedy in Creek history reminds the Creek how far they've come. The Muscogee people rebuilt their lives in a new territory and adapted to many changes. The Creek now thrive in modern America, celebrating their culture and ancestors' traditions.

The Iroquois Confederacy served as model for the founding fathers who wrote the U.S. Constitution. The Iroquois today continue their proud tradition of representative democracy as they thrive in modern America.

The Long Walk to forced imprisonment in eastern New Mexico still haunts the Navajo people. But after years of suffering they were allowed to return to their traditional lands where they prospered. Today the Navajo celebrate their strengths and proudly maintain their cultural traditions in modern America.

The Great Lakes region and parts of Canada were home to the Ojibwe. But the Anishinaabe suffered great losses of land and other broken treaties when settlers discovered Ojibwe homelands. Today, the Ojibwe preserve their culture and maintain their traditions in modern America.

Present-day Virginia was home to the early Powhatan tribes. But settlers were eager to explore the rich land and the rivers in the area. The Powhatan were forced to adapt to new ways of life. But they continue to thrive in modern America, remembering and honoring their past traditions.

Vast stretches of land in the Midwest and West were home to the Sioux. But the proud tribes fell victim to a series of broken treaties and unkept promises. Today the Sioux preserve their history as they enjoy a cultural renewal in modern America.

American Indians have always told stories filled with characters, creatures, and legends that have fascinated people around the world. This book mixes dramatic retellings and nonfiction information to give a full picture of American Indian stories, exploring the gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, tricksters, and quests that make American Indian stories and legends so compelling.