American Indian Culture

 

American Indian culture is vast and varies with each area and Nation. With over 500 federally recognized Indian Nations and countless others that are not recognized, the culture is enormous and not easily defined. Indians are separated by cultural regions. There are ten general regions in all and the people are grouped with similar culture traits, though again, each is completely unique in their religion, beliefs, dress and lifestyle. There are a few similarities, one being that all Natives hold land as sacred and not something to be owned. In a letter to John Ross immediately before the removal of the Cherokee people on the Trail of Tears, Aitooweyah, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, said “We, the great mass of the people think only of the love we have for our land, we do love the land where we were brought up. We will never let our hold to this land go, to let it go it will be like throwing away our mother that gave us birth.” This demonstrates his deep tie and strong connection with the land that he was removed from. All traditional Natives believe in a Great Spirit or many gods which are usually tied directly to nature.

 

In general, Indian culture is collectively one of pride, suffering, sacrifice and triumph. Aspects of the culture are seen every day in jewelry, imagery and Indian symbols. Humor is valued trait amoung Indians and an essential one. Dennis Banks, co-founder of the American Indian Movement said “Humor is widely used by Indians to deal with life. Indian gatherings are marked by laughter and jokes, many directed at the horrors of history, at the continuing impact of colonization, and at the biting knowledge that living as an exile in one's own land necessitates, certainly the time frame we presently inhabit has much that is shabby and tricky to offer; and much that needs to be treated with laughter and ironic humor.”