The Pre- Colonial Period

1. The Pre- Colonial Period The Pre-Colonial Period

2. Origins • Native-American: The original inhabitants of North and South America • Believed to have migrated across a land bridge from the Asian continent over 10,000 years ago • Comprised of many different tribal groups who adapted to the geographic locations they inhabited

3. Facts • They did not consider themselves one group of people. • Tribes from the plains were typically nomadic hunters. • Tribes from the east were farmers and fishermen. • Tribes from South America & Mexico were very large, and extremely well organized. • There were over 200 distinct groups or tribes. • They spoke over 500 different languages.

5. Native American Culture • Inspired by natural surroundings • Complex religious beliefs • Strong social values/tribal culture • Sophisticated political systems

6. Harmony with Nature • Kinship with plants, animals, the land, the sea, the sky, and stars • Supernatural not separate from natural world • Human and non-human seen as part of a sacred whole • Human beings do not rule over nature—they are part of it

7. Native American Literature An oral tradition passed down from generation to generation in the form of: • Creation Myths – stories explaining the beginning of the world, human culture • Trickster and Hero Tales - explaining how the world was transformed to its present state and expressing common beliefs and values of the cultures • Ritual Songs – sung or chanted during religious ceremonies 11

8. Creation Myths • Explain how the earth and all things came to be • Address important cultural beliefs and assumptions • Provide answers to the big questions about life: Who are we? How should we live? What does this life mean? Example: “The World on Turtle’s Back”

9. Trickster Tales • Source of entertainment • Often doubles as an origin tale • Expresses the values and beliefs of a specific culture • Each tale centers on a certain trickster character (Coyote, Raven, etc.), who may act differently in each tale to teach different lessons Example: “Coyote and the Buffalo”

10. Songs and Chants • Religious (prayers) • Often repeated sounds or rhythms to help memorization • Could last for days • Included musical instruments (drums and flutes) and dance Example: “Crow Hop”

12. Settlers and Explorers • European • Some searched for fame, adventure, and riches 6 • Some were missionaries spreading Christianity (by force if necessary) • Others sought religious freedom

13. Historic Journals and Reports • Explorers wrote for the kings and queens who sent them • Described the adventures and the people they encountered • Often prejudiced and view the Native people as ignorant savages

14. Devastating Consequences of the First Encounters • Unstoppable spread of European disease (smallpox, Black Death) kills millions of Native Americans before bulk of Europeans arrive 9 • Often resulted in brutal war • Some groups maintained peace • Many Native Americans made to be slaves, but susceptibility to European diseases and an inability to withstand the harsh treatment led to the African slave trade.

15. Massacre at Wounded Knee