There are many Native American groups who live in the United States.  "Native American" is the name for the first people to live in the land that became the United States of America.  It is important to understand how Native Americans lived long ago. Native Americans are part of our country's history.  History is the story of the past. 



Many different groups of Native Americans lived in this land long ago.  Each group had its own culture.  But one thing most Native Americans shared is a love of storytelling.  They still do today!  Watch the video to hear a story told in the traditional Cherokee Native American storytelling style! 



Native American groups also had many differences.  Each group of people had its own special culture, including their own language, religion, and customs.  Native American cultures were shaped by the natural resources around them.  Native Americans based their food, clothing, homes, and art on the natural resources that were available to them.  Look at the map to see where some Native American groups lived and to get some clues about which natural resources they used.

Lesson 1:  Native American Communities