Overview

Combining historical background with discussion of contemporary Native nations and their living cultures, this comprehensive text introduces students to the many Indigenous peoples in North America. Organized by region to highlight cultural practices, each part covers the topography, climate, and natural resources in the area and describes the range of cultural practices and beliefs among groups. Subsequent tribe-specific chapters are devoted to different Native communities, addressing both their history and contemporary lives.

New to the Third Edition

New Chapter 26, “Contemporary Challenges” explores the issues facing Native communities today, including environmental crises, voting rights, residential school investigations. New Chapter 27, “The Arts, Pop Culture, and Representation” examines contemporary Indigenous writers, musicians, and filmmakers as well as the challenges Indigenous peoples face with misrepresentation. Fully revised art program with a wealth of images and maps explores different Native cultures. Updated statistics on social and economic data as well as demographic profiles.