Learning about the fascinating culture of the Indigenous Americans is an unmistakable part of your journey through the United States. Get acquainted with the Navajo or the Cherokee tribes. There are also hundreds of other tribes to learn about, each with their own culture and history. Together with an Indigenous guide, listen to their stories and explore their land.
The history of the Native Americans goes back thousands of years and is characterised by a deep connection to the land, nature and a rich cultural diversity. Before European settlers arrived, there were innumerable nations and tribes that lived across North America and shaped the landscape according to their own traditions and ways of life. These peoples already had complex societies based on agriculture, hunting, trade and craftsmanship.
In the 16th century, colonisation by European powers began, leading to profound changes and often disastrous consequences for Indigenous peoples. Land loss, disease and wars drastically reduced population numbers and destroyed many traditional ways of life. Nevertheless, the culture of the Native Americans is very much alive, and still campaign tirelessly for their rights and recognition. There is no better way to learn about this important aspect of American history than by visiting one of the countless museums that showcase this or speaking with Native American guides.
The USA is home to a remarkable variety of Indigenous nations and tribes, each with its own unique culture, language and traditions. Here are some of the more significant tribes and nations:
1. The Navajo (Diné) Nation: Known as the largest nation in the USA, the Navajo live primarily in the south-west, in the states of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. Their culture is closely interwoven with the desert and the landscapes there. Visits to the Navajo Nation reservation provide insights into their craftsmanship, such as weaving and silversmithing, as well as their deeply spiritual rituals and ceremonies.
2. The Cherokee Nation: Originally native to the south-east of the USA, the tribe was forced to relocate to present-day Oklahoma by the "Trail of Tears". The Cherokee have a rich history and a vibrant culture that lives on in their languages, dances and the famous Cherokee script. Visitors can visit historic sites and museums that preserve the history and heritage of this resilient people.
3. The Sioux: The Sioux, also known as the Great Sioux Nation, are a group of tribes and First Nations (Lakota, Dakota and Nakota) that live in the Great Plains of the Midwest. The Great Sioux Nation value family and kinship ties, and are known for their proud history of resistance and strength. The Black Hills in South Dakota are of great spiritual significance to the Lakota and offer impressive insights into their traditional ways of life and beliefs. Crazy Horse Memorial is a great example of this
4. The Puebloans: The Pueblo peoples are a group of Nations and tribes that live in the Southwest of the USA, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona, including the Hopi and Zuni, that share a common heritage and language groups. Known for their unique adobe buildings, the Puebloans traditionally lived in permanent, often multi-storey adobe structures that have characterised their villages for centuries.
To experience the history and culture of the Native Americans up close, there are numerous museums and monuments across the United States that present extensive collections and exhibitions on this topic and should not be missed on your trip to the USA:
1. National Museum of the American Indian: For the world's largest exhibit on Indigenous Americans, head to Washington, D.C., at the National Museum of the American Indian. This museum highlights the history of more than 1,200 Indigenous cultures. Other popular museums include the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill, Oklahoma, and the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona.
2. Heard Museum: The Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, is internationally recognised for its outstanding collections and exhibitions that focus on the art and culture of the indigenous peoples of the Southwest. Regular special exhibitions and cultural events enrich the programme.
3. Museum of Indian Arts & Culture: This museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers extensive exhibits on the history and culture of the Puebloan peoples and other tribes of the Southwest. Interactive displays and cultural events make the visit particularly impressive.
4. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art: The Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana, brings together the art and history of Native Americans and the American West. It offers an in-depth look at the lifestyles, traditions and artworks of indigenous peoples.
5. Crazy Horse Memorial: Crazy Horse Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota near Mount Rushmore, is an ongoing project that aims to create a larger-than-life sculpture of Lakota leader Crazy Horse astride his horse. Spearheaded by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and continued by his family, the memorial stands as a symbol of Indigenous resilience and culture.
During your holiday to the United States, you will not only experience a unique travel experience in nature, but you will also contribute directly to the survival of Indigenous culture and communities. Your listening ear is invaluable.
What is a powwow?
A powwow is a traditional Native American gathering where they celebrate their culture, music, dances and community. These colourful and festive events are deeply rooted in the traditions of the various tribes and serve as both social gatherings and opportunities to share and honour cultural practices. At a powwow, you can experience impressive dances in elaborate traditional costumes, listen to the rhythmic sounds of drums and feel the vibrant atmosphere of the indigenous communities up close. Powwows are not just festivals, but also an expression of the pride and vitality of indigenous cultures.
The Gathering of Nations: the largest powwow in the USA
A special highlight in the cultural calendar of the Native Americans is the "Gathering of Nations", the largest powwow in the United States. You will discover that Indigenous American culture and history is not all about tragedy. Nowhere is that more evident than during the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During this annual event, hundreds of tribes showcase their cultural heritage through song, dance, and drumming competitions.
Every year in April, over 700 tribes from all over North America gather in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to celebrate their culture, dances and music. This three-day event offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the vibrant and dynamic culture of the Native Americans up close. Colourful dances in traditional dress, drum competitions, arts and crafts markets and culinary delights make the Gathering of Nations an unforgettable experience.
Our tailor-made holidays to the United States are designed to give you an authentic and respectful insight into the lives and history of Native Americans. By working with indigenous hosts and guides, we offer you the opportunity to learn directly from the people who have inhabited and shaped these lands for centuries. You will discover how the past and present of Native Americans are intertwined and the significant role they play in the preservation and transmission of their cultural heritage.
By understanding and appreciating the history and culture, you will experience the USA off the beaten track and gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating country. Let Little America take you on a journey that emphasises not only the well-known sights, but also the genuine and authentic side of the USA and its history.
Indigenous land
A visit to Indigenous land (which is the collective name for all Native American reservations and land in North America) is a must during your trip through the United States. Here, you will find unique cultures and some of the most beautiful landscapes on the entire continent. You can often explore the wilderness with a guide from a local tribe, listening to stories about the culture, history, and landscape.
You probably already have ideas for your holiday to the United States and Canada. Nature tours through the Rocky Mountains, spotting orcas near the San Juan Islands, or exploring the streets of San Francisco on the iconic cable car?
For the best local tips and advice, visit one of our online presentations. Meet our travel specialists and have all of your questions answered.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
020 36 08 35 57
