Tribal Research by Sarah Robinson

The Lenni Lenape

2026-01-29 14:04:15 UTC

The Lenni Lenape tribe were a group that primarily live in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and occasionally further north like Rhode Island. They were estimated to have over 20,000 tribe members. The first relationships recorded were with the Dutch, which they traded animal pelts for tools, firearms, sugar, coffee, and fabric. The Dutch grew more demanding for land so they fought in the Keifts war (1643-1645), but this led to the Pavonia massacare and the Esopus wars (1959-1663). The Dutch left in 1664. Eventually William Penn and the Quaker colonists created the English colony along the Delaware River. This led to the Lenni Lenape to sign a treaty with the colonists but it brought in thousands of Englishman pushing back the Lenape even more. After Penn had died they faced major threats for their hunting grounds. But, they still supported the British in the French and Native wars (1688-1763). In 1758 they signed the Treaty of Easton between the Lenape and the colonists which required the Lenape to move westward which they still reside to this present day in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio. But, not all the natives left. During the revolutionary war some had converted to Christianity and some supported the British in fear of them taking their land. The Lenape made another Treaty with Americans this time that let troops pass through the Lenape territory giving them food and supplies. The natives were also allowed to enlist in the U.S. army. However, even though the Treaty was signed peace did not retain. In 1781 around 300 Americans attacked the Lenni Lenape killing 15 of them. Due to this attack and the misinformation that was spread a group of Pennsylvanian militiamen believed that it was the Natives fault so they killed almost 100 Christian Lenape. Thankfully a group of Shawnee Natives arrived and killed or captured most of the American militiamen. After the revolutionary war ended most of the Christian Lenape moved to Canada but the Lenape who remained still had tensions with the Americans who were moving into their territory. The Lenape faced trouble with American troops and government for a long time being taken all the way to Oklahoma to live with the Cherokees but in 1979 were recognized as the Lenapes once more. Today the descendants of the Lenapes live in Canada, Oklahoma, Delaware, and New Jersey. The Lenape still remain in Delaware today as the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware.

Cherokee Tribe

5142391 — 2026-01-29 14:07:54 UTC

The Cherokee tribe is a very special tribe like the rest of the tribes that exist within Native American culture. However, they have lost much land since the beginning of their found existence. Before any land was taken away they used to dominate the territory of much modern states of West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. However, due to the successive treaties with the British Crown and the United States it reduced the Cherokee Nation's original territory; making them now have little land and mainly reside in northeastern Oklahoma. Which is a landscape dominated by the Ozark's Plateau's steep ridges, caves, forested hillsides etc. Now, Cherokee has a very special culture. However, in relation to spiritual practices, those spiritual and ceremonial aspects of traditional Cherokee life is not shared publicly out of respect for the local communities who continue to preserve these life-ways. Though, they do believe in maintaining balance and harmony and using fire as a messenger to the creator of the natural world. Their social structure is traditionally matrilineal which is organized around seven animal clans. Examples of some of those animals are a wolf, a Long Hair, and a Wild Potato. Their culture is also very unique and interesting, ranging from the Green Corn Ceremony, stick-ball, storytelling, dances like the Stomp Dance, and basket weaving. Even their food is unique as they call their diet the three sisters, it consists of corn, beans, and squash along with hunted game like deer, berries and more. Lastly, the Cherokee's clothing has changed much due to the Europeans arriving. The Cherokee tribe now consists of modern clothing. However, when they want to wear some traditional clothing for a special occasion a woman typically wears a tear dress and a man wears a ribbon shirt. So, as you can see the Cherokee Tribe is a very unique tribe ranging from their history to their culture and traditions to their way of living.

Choctaw Tribe - William Murphy

2026-01-29 14:21:07 UTC

The Choctaw Tribe originally lived in the southeastern United States, mainly in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. They lived on land with forests and rivers and farmed crops like corn, beans, and squash, while also hunting and fishing. The Choctaw believed in a Great Spirit and respected nature. They lived in villages, followed a matrilineal family system, and celebrated events like the Green Corn Festival. In the 1800s, many Choctaw were forced to move to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears, but today the Choctaw Nation is still active and keeps its culture and traditions alive.

Navajo Tribe

202648_20 — 2026-01-29 14:23:27 UTC

The Navajo people, the Diné (“the People”), have lived for centuries in the Southwest, mainly in what is now Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. Family, land, and identity were deeply connected, and harmony known as Hózhó was a core value guiding spiritual and daily life. In the 1800's, the Navajo experienced violent conflict with the U.S. government. In 1864, the Long Walk occurred, when thousands of Navajo were forced to march hundreds of miles to Bosque Redondo, where many died from hunger, disease, and exposure. In 1868, the Navajo were allowed to return to part of their homeland and over time, they rebuilt their communities while preserving language, ceremonies, and traditions. Today, the Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States, both in land area and population, it has its own government, with a president, council, and court system. Many people still speak the Navajo language (Diné Bizaad), practice ceremonies, and value clan relationships, while also participating in modern education, technology, and careers.

Navajo tribe

2026-01-29 14:32:23 UTC

The Navajo tribe mainly inhabiting south western states today are Arizona, new mexico, California, colorado, ect. The Navajo are believed to have migrated from western Canada from a old tribe called the athtabascans. The Navajo were estimated to have arrived in new Mexico and southern Arizona in around the year 1300. Making up the two major tribe we now today as the navajo and the apache tribe. The najavos belifs stemmed that they came from three underground worlds and they traveld through them in different colors being black blue and yellow until they reach the luminous world where they then emerged from the la plants mountains in southern colorado. a major part of the navajos artistic culture is their clay pottery, weaving and rug making that they learned from their pueblos refugees during the Spanish supression of the 1680 Pueblo revolt.

Cherokee Tribe

402337_10 — 2026-01-29 16:21:27 UTC

The Cherokee Tribe has come a long way from getting their land taken by Europeans and trying to preserve their culture. They are now mostly based in Oklahoma and North Carolina. Their culture has been taken from them like their language, which only a small amount of them can speak. The Cherokee tribe has a special structure on their society with organizing their tribe into seven distinct clans with a chief to govern their town. Many of the Cherokee have a special connection with nature and dancing to ward off evil spirits. The Cherokee are well crafted in making their clothes out of deerskin, feathers, and bright colorful patterns. They also make pottery and baskets with clay and river cane to hold nuts, berries and the animals they hunt. They use storytelling and dancing as a ceremonial practice to keep their tradition alive.

Choctaw Tribe

479319_1 — 2026-01-29 16:55:58 UTC

The Choctaw people are an Indigenous group originally from the Southeastern Woodlands; inhabiting areas that today include central/southern Mississippi, western Alabama, and eastern Louisiana before colonization. These lands consisted of a rich and diverse ecosystem that supported a settled, agricultural society. These lands were characterized by a mix of forests, fertile river bottomlands, and natural prairies, which provided the necessary resources for a subsistence economy based on farming, hunting, and gathering. The tribe is recognized as one of the “Five Civilized Tribes” along with the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole nations. Following the forced removal of the Choctaw people under U.S. federal policy in the 1830s, many Choctaw were forcibly relocated to Choctaw Nation lands in what is now known as Oklahoma, where they reestablished communities and adapted to their new environment while preserving their cultural ties to the land. Traditional Choctaw spirituality is rooted in a deep connection to nature, respect for their ancestors, and a belief in a creator and spiritual forces, both benevolent and malevolent. This worldview focused on maintaining balance with the environment, rather than viewing the land as a resource to be exploited. Choctaw society emphasizes matriarchal elements, with women holding significant influence in social, economic, and familial affairs. Women’s rules ranged from agricultural leadership to participation in ceremonial life that was reflected in dances where women joined men even in war dances, a practice unique among many tribes. In Choctaw culture, food has always been central, with traditional dishes consisting of freshly grown vegetables, chicken, pork, frybread, desserts, and sweet tea. For years, the food on the table in Choctaw families came straight from the garden and farms. Important traditional dishes include hominy and pashofa. Choctaw traditional clothing has evolved over the centuries. Pre-colonial garments were made from buckskin and natural plant fibers, tailored to local conditions. After European contact, cloth became incorporated, and vibrant cotton dresses and shirts edged with ribbonwork and beadwork emerged as recognizable attire for celebrations and dances. Dance remains a vibrant part of cultural life. Traditional dances include war dances, social dances, and animal dances, each with a symbolic meaning linked to not only storytelling, but community connection, courtship, and seasonal rhythms.

Sioux Tribe

2026-01-29 16:57:49 UTC

The Sioux Tribe, one of the largest and oldest Native American tribes in North America. They mainly dominated the Great Plains and dates back to about 3,000 years. They lived in the Central Mississippi River Valley and Great Lakes regions before moving west. The word Sioux comes from the French traders I the Northern Wisconsin Lakes region. The expanded towards modern states including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. They mastered horseback riding, ruling the Great Plains region for years hunting bison and living, a normal life. Throughout the years, the Sioux had many interactions with expansionist settlers, gold miners, and the U.S. Army. Some events that highlight these interactions include the Battle of Little Bighorn, and the Wounded Knee Massacre. The government in the end lessened the powerful Sioux Nation to the Great Sioux Reservations in the late 1800s.

Sioux=People of the Seven Council Fires(Octet Sakowin Oyate). They speak three dialects of the same language, Siouan. Hunting, Fishing, gathering, and horticulture were the main aspects of the economy. The Sioux believed the animal nations are relatives, feeling a special bond that exists among all living things. They called it, Waken Thanka(the Great Spirit) They lived in camp circles with large families, believing in kinship and community. They had ceremonies like the Sun Dance which focused on sacrifice, renewal, and spiritual strength. This was a striving nation, torn apart by colonization and greed.

The Sioux Tribe

409707_1 — 2026-01-29 17:29:52 UTC

The Sioux Tribe is a couple of native American tribes in one: Lakota, Dakota, Nakota (The Great Sioux Nation). The Lokato, also called the Teton Sioux, are the largest group. They are made up of seven tribes and live mostly in North and South Dakota. The Dakota, also known as the Santee Sioux, live mainly in Minnesota and Nebraska. The Nakota are the smallest group and mostly live in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana. Each tribe have The Sioux people originally lived in areas that are now Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa. The Dakota and Nakota lived by hunting, fishing, gatherings food, and growing some plants. While they hunted buffalo, they mostly relied on deer, elk, and mood. They also collected wild rice, roots, and maple sugar. They had a rich culture that included crafts, tools weapons, and music. They made pottery, wooden bowls, and hunting tools, and created bows, arrows, and war clubs for hunting and protection. Music and drums were very important and were used during special ceremonies like the Medicine Dance and the Sun Dance. The Lakota were skilled buffalo hunters and depended on buffalo for food, clothing, and trade. They followed guidance from spiritual leaders to know when to begin hunting. Buffalo hides were traded with other tribes for items like corn, helping balance their diet. because the Lakota were nomadic, they lived in tipis made from buffalo hides that could be taken down and moved easily. Women were in charge of the home and built the tipis when the tribe traveled. Lakota culture included strong traditions of art and crafts. Women created porcupine quill work and bead work, which decorated clothing and ceremonial items. Buffalo hides painting was also important and was used for warmth, healing, and storytelling. Painted hides showed important events, spiritual beliefs, and acts of bravery. Long ago, they were one of the largest Native American groups in North America and shared a common language which is called the Siouan language. Some people still speak that language as well. They were masters of horseback riding and dominated the Great Plains region for centuries, hunting bison (buffalo) and living a nomadic life. The Sioux faced many conflicts with settlers, gold miners, and the U.S. Army. Important events include the Battle of Little Bighorn and the Wounded Knee Massacre. In the late 1800s, the U.S. government forced the Sioux onto reservations, where many still live today.

Tachi Yokut Tribe

2026-01-29 18:03:54 UTC

The Tachi Yokut tribe is a California Native Tribe, found in San Joaquin Valley. They were considered unique, because they were one of the few tribes in California to actually split into true tribes, with their own language, name, and territory to go along with them. They are believed to be one of the first tribes in California. They did no farming at all before Columbus, using acorns as their main source of food while foraging for other food, such as wild plants, roots, and berries. They also hunted for their food as well, including deer, rabbits, prairie dogs, and other types of small mammals and birds. They used materials around them to make their jewelry and headbands, like feathers and seeds. The tribe today continues to preserve their heritage and culture for future generations and want to make a difference in people's lives. The tribe lives on the Santa Rosa Rancheria in Lemoore, California. They have employment opportunities inside the territory they own, as well as a tribal council that oversees the people.

Lenni Lenape Tribe

2026-01-29 20:30:40 UTC

The Lenni Lenape Tribe were originally located in the Unami and Munsee aboriginal homeland where are now in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. They're clothing consisted of breechclouts and moccasins with leggings and a robe for cold weather. Women wore knee or calf level wrap around skirts and wore fur robes or turkey feather mantles in cold weather. Craft wise they did lots of beadwork and weaving. With the arrival of Europeans, the Lenape Tribe met settlers and explorers who looked for commerce. In 1682 William Penn came to the Lenape Tribe, he claimed land that also included the Lenape's. The tribe and Penn build a good relationship together, however it did not last after Penn's death in 1718. The Lenape Tribe lost all claims of their land, that they used for so long. They tried to move outward but other European settlers claimed the land. In 1730 Penn's son took a different view to a day and a half's walk in 1686. The Penn family seized 750,000 Acers of Lenape land and added it to the family estate. These pushes led to the battle of Fallen Timbers. The Lenape Tribe's originally location has still been moved, they now reside in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Ontario, and New Jersey.

Nanticoke Tribe

2026-01-29 20:38:22 UTC

The Nanticoke Tribe first encountered Europeans in 1608 along the Kuskarawaok River when Captain John Smith was exploring the Chesapeake Bay. The original name of their tribe, Kuskarawaok, means "The tidewater people", and they were referred to as "The best merchants of all" by Captain Smith. In the tribe, dancing is an important part of their culture, with it being used as a medium for storytelling, socialization, and teaching. Originally, they grew a variety of crops, everything from beans to sunflowers and tobacco. They also hunted a variety of local wildlife, aquatic species like eels and oysters, and traditional game ranging from squirrels to bears.

Naga Tribe - Bryanna Olvera

389124_1 — 2026-01-29 21:27:34 UTC

The Naga Tribe people are an indigenous group that are mainly located in the northeast parts of India. They aren't just one singular tribe itself they are formed by numerous tribes combined with different cultures, traditions, and distinct languages. There isn't an exact year to trace, but there is some evidence that their presence has been around for quite some time meaning thousands of years. At first the Naga were split into different groups all with their own different customs and traditions which is why they evolved with so many different traditions etc. Their decision making process involved village elders because they were considered more "wise" since they had been around longer. The Naga people loved music and dancing which is what made their traditions so lively and rich. They wore vibrant traditional attire a lot of the time as seen in the picture above. Today the tribe is still thriving and adapting to the changes in the world while still keeping up with their cultural identity/customs.

Nanticoke Tribe

2026-01-29 23:51:46 UTC

The Nanticoke tribe originally lived in Maryland and Delaware along the Nanticoke River and Chesapeake Bay. The land was rich in fertile soil perfect for farming, and the biodiversity was beyond amazing. There were lots of wetlands and waterways, and it was approximately 80,000 acres, an amazing source for food. The Naticoke tribe believed in animistic spirituality, meaning that they believed all elements of nature had a spirit and soul; for example, fire, water, and animals. They would try to maintain harmony/balance in the environment. The Tribe practiced farming, hunting, and trading. These practices also played a role in the social structure, specifically gender roles. Men primarily focused on hunting and trading, while women mainly focused on farming. The tribe was organized around families, with elders and leaders making important decisions. The tribe mostly ate corn, beans, and squash; it was a staple. They called it the “three sisters,” but also ate fruit, nuts, and seafood. For clothing, men wore breechcloths, leggings, and, in colder weather, fur robes or cloaks, while women wore knee-length skirts, leggings, and mantles. Their clothes were mostly made out of deerskin. One celebration the Tribe held was a powwow, which they celebrate in September and that lasts two days. This is where they honor elders, perform traditional dances, and conduct sacred ceremonies. The event serves as a family reunion.

The Navajo Tribe

13061_64 — 2026-01-30 01:35:20 UTC

The Navajo people originally lived in the southwest in arid desserts, mainly in the states we know today as Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. These people lived in a matriarchal society which meant everything, such as descent and inheritance, was traced back to the mother. They believed in achieving Hozho, harmony, on Earth and this belief guided them in their daily life. Traditional Navajo clothing consists of clothes made of velvet or cotton, silver or turquoise jewelry, deer moccasins and long hair by both genders. During the mid 1800s, many people from the Navajo tribe were captured, removed from their homes, and forced to move during the Trail of Tears. Later, many of their children were sent to reservation schools to "civilize" them and make them more white. Despite this the Navajo people were able to keep their culture and traditions alive and they still celebrate different ceremonies to this day.

Tachi Yokut Tribe

554322_3 — 2026-01-30 01:59:07 UTC

The Yokuts were among the California natives , they were divided into true tribes. Each had a name, a language, and a territory.The Yokuts tribe were friendly and peaceful loving people.They were tall, strong and well built and valued their community .The Yokuts lived a simple life,depend on the land for food, clothing, and shelter. The Great Lake shaped who the Yokut people were, they used the lakes to build there homes and shelters and boats to travel. The lake provided a lot of food and habitat for the antelope elk & more wildlife, lots of animals were able to live freely. Yokuts people lived in peace being able to have certain "jobs" some as hunters-gatherers-farmers and fishermen. They created tools from many things, wood, stone and bone while also making art from the world and nature. The Yokut culture and spirituality were strong and succeeding, involved with nature, respect for animals. Yokuts people are deeply connected to their land, water and traditions which shaped their culture

Cherokee Tribe

384799_1 — 2026-01-30 02:00:13 UTC

The Cherokee Tribe is currently the largest tribe in the United States. Now, due to a loss of land the Cherokee's territory is mostly in Oklahoma. Prior to the loss of land the Cherokee's land spanned from West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Said loss of land happened due to treaties with the British and the United States over the course of almost 50 decades between 1817 til 1866. The Cherokee Tribe celebrates their national holiday commemorating the original signing of the tribes 1839 constitution yearly on Labor Day weekend. The heart of the event is celebrating the reuniting of the Cherokee families. The Cherokee culture is forever changing, as beliefs and ways of practice can vary from person to person in the tribe. Prior to contact with European Settlers the Cherokee people wore buckskin clothes accessorized with beads and shells. After contact as made, trade between the Cherokee and the Europeans grew, which was reflected in their clothing. The Cherokee would wear cloth shirts, buckskin leggings, and skirts that were popular in the 1700 to 1800's. The Cherokee traditional foods include wild onions cooked with egg, fried hog meat, and more. Fry bread and Indian tacos are not seen as traditional foods by the Cherokee despite their popularity. However, the spiritual and ceremonial aspects of the Cherokee's culture is not shared publicly due to a respect for those in their communities trying to preserve it.

Cheyenne Tribe

2026-01-30 03:16:53 UTC

The Cheyenne Tribe originally lived near the Great Lakes but later moved to the Great Plains, where the open grasslands shaped their nomadic lifestyle and strong connection to the land. They depended heavily on the buffalo for food, clothing, and shelter, and lived in portable tipis suited to the Plains environment. Cheyenne spiritual beliefs center on Ma’heo’o, the Great Spirit, and emphasize balance between humans, nature, and the spiritual world. Important ceremonies, such as the Sun Dance, are still practiced today and reflect deep cultural traditions. Historically, the Cheyenne were organized into family bands led by respected leaders and guided by the Council of Forty-Four, which promoted peace and unity. Cultural traditions include traditional foods, detailed beadwork clothing, storytelling, and powwows, which continue in modern Cheyenne communities. Today, the Cheyenne live mainly in Montana and Oklahoma, working to preserve their culture while participating in modern society.

Cherokee Tribe

2026-01-30 16:11:39 UTC

The Cherokee tribe is originally from the Southeastern U.S. There are over 450,000 current Cherokee Nation citizens. In the 1830s, they were sent to Oklahoma through the Trail of tears. Now the main Cherokee Nation is based in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, spanning across 14 counties. They speak the Cherokee language, known as Tsalagi which contains 85-characters syllabary; made in the 1820s. They ate corns, beans and squash along with hunting deer, bears and sometimes fishing. The clothing they wore was mostly from deerskin and eventually once they met Europeans, they started using their traded cloth. The Cherokee people are known for having a strong and vibrant culture and unique history, with their usage of a US style constitution, creating their syllabic writing system, etc. They also are known for having resilience. They adapt to change by integrating European ways but keeping their original identity.

Cherokee Tribe

410734_8 — 2026-01-31 02:56:53 UTC

The Cherokee currently live on a 7,000 square mile reservation in Northeastern Oklahoma spanning across 14 counties. Diverse landscapes including plains, forests, and prairies. Cherokees have hedonistic spiritual beliefs as they believe in maintaining balance and harmony within the earth via things like the circle of life. One example of a Cherokee practice is only harvesting every 4 plants they see leaving the other 3 to grow and get later on to assure balance. In Cherokee society women were seen as head of the household. Clan members were seen as brothers and sister and forbidden to marry each other. Food that the Cherokee typically ate consisted of the three sisters--Corn, beans, and squash or anything that was gathered, grown or hunted. Including things like nuts, berries, deer, rabbits, and groundhogs. Some Cherokee clothing was made up of deer hides and plant fiber.