Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Native North America refers to the indigenous peoples and cultures that inhabited the region before European colonization. It encompasses a diverse range of tribes, languages, and artistic traditions.
Ethnohistoric Documents: These are historical records created by early explorers, missionaries, and settlers that provide valuable insights into the lives and cultures of Native North Americans.
Indigenous Art: This term refers to the artistic creations produced by Native North American tribes, including pottery, basketry, textiles, masks, and totem poles.
Cultural Assimilation: This concept describes the process in which Native North Americans were forced or encouraged to adopt European customs and abandon their own cultural practices.