Native American Indian Culture Research Paper

The topic of the Native American Indians has been shallowly dove into within most History classes at some point or another. Although, due to the set criteria that schools have to follow there is often not enough time to fully divulge into the subject. Indian culture differs immensely from that of the American culture. Also, their beliefs, in topics across the board, are far different from modern American beliefs. Native American Indians, a resilient group of individuals who have persevered through a myriad of trials and discrimination, have established themselves as a fundamental piece of America’s history. The term “Indian” originated with Christopher Columbus. Columbus thought he had landed in the East Indies, therefore naming the natives …show more content…
For instance, it is common knowledge that the Indians lived and traveled in clans, but also each individual clan was sometimes named for an animal or totem. Totems were viewed as the clans’ supernatural ancestors or spiritual guardians. Clan membership was the most important alliance in a Sothern Indian’s life (Brown and Owens 45). Woman were incredibly respected within the tribe. Some pioneer white woman who had lived among the Indians refused to go home due to the high recognition Indian woman received (46). Beliefs concerning spirits were strong throughout the Indian population. Medicine men, individuals who dealt with the spirit world for the Indians believed they had direct contact with the spirits, would lead tribal members in elaborate ceremonies and rituals designed to keep them in good relation with the spirit world …show more content…
In this battle, the Cheyenne, as well as the Lakota Sioux and a small band of Arapaho, destroyed George Armstrong Custer and his troops near the Little Bighorn River. This is viewed as suck a huge feat due to the 262 U.S deaths with only around 60 Indian deaths. Both attacks led to what became known as the Colorado War of 1864-1865. The worst point within this battle was what is known as the Sand Creek Massacre occurring on November 29, 1864. After this brutal annihilation, the defensive battles against the white settlers and the U.S Army increased. The Pike’s Peak Gold Rush in 1858 brought the tension to a boiling point. Indians began attacking wagon trains, mining camps, and stagecoach