Native American Tribes North Carolina Native American Tribes

North Carolina Mountain Natives The largest tribe in North Carolina is the Cherokee Natives. Today, there are still over 9,000 Cherokee still living here in North Carolina. The Cherokee Natives used to be the most powerful tribe in North Carolina. They were known to be very tall and strong warriors. The Cherokee Indians lived in villages, usually located close to a river. Most people believe Natives lived in tepees, but the Cherokee actually lived in houses they built out of supplies. The first Cherokee people lived in homes made of branches covered in bark and mud. Later, they learned to build houses out of logs and clay.

Mountain Natives Food The Cherokee Natives were known to be great hunters. They often traveled far from home to hunt for food. They built canoes made from birch wood to provide transportation. Cherokee hunters used bows and arrows or even blowguns to shoot wild game. Fishermen used spears and fishing poles. The Cherokee hunted wild turkey, deer and even bears. They also gathered plants, berries and herbs. The Cherokee were excellent farmers. They were known to harvest large fields of pumpkins, squash, beans and corn.

Mountain Natives Daily Life The roles between men and women were divided equally. Cherokee men were expected to provide food and defend their tribe. The women were in charge of cooking and farming. Cherokee children did many of the same things you do today. They played with each other, went to school and helped around the house. Many children enjoyed hunting and fishing with their fathers. Cherokee children had more chores and less time to play. They had dolls, toys and games to play with. A popular game for children was to attempt to throw a dart through a moving hoop.

What are some differences? What are some similarities to Natives living in the Mountain region to your own life? What are some differences?

Coastal Plain Native Americans When you think of the coastal plain region, what visions come to mind?

Coastal Plain Native Americans The daily life for Coastal Natives was nothing like it is today. They didn’t enjoy time on the beach, relaxing in the sun or riding on sailboats. Even though life was completely different then compared to now, they still loved the way things were. The three tribes that lived in the Coastal region were the Siouan, Iroquoian and the Algonquain. These groups of people spoke different languages and all lived in different parts of the region.

Coastal Plain Native Americans Everyone helped with daily duties. Women prepared food and made clothing. Men hunted deer and other animals with bows and arrows. By this time, canoes had been developed, and they used spears and nets to catch fish. Both men and women planted and harvested crops. Trading was very popular at the time. The Coastal natives were known for making pottery from powdered clay mixed with shells, gravel and sand. Baskets were made from reeds found near streams. Wampum, shells and beads were strung together to make jewelry. Sap from trees were used to make syrups and candies. All of these items were then traded to other tribes.

Coastal Plain Natives Food Corn was the most popular food. All tribes planted and harvested corn. Corn was ground and women used it to make bread, soup and cakes. A favorite way to eat it was right off the cob and even popcorn. Hunting was a very important way to obtain food. Natives believed the Great Spirits blessed them with creatures of the land. They believed each animal had a special meaning for them. Natives never killed more than they could eat. They also made sure never to waste any part of the animal. Animals were used for food, clothing, tools decorations and toys.

Coastal Plain Living Wigwams became very popular houses. Men constructed the wigwams out of thin young trees by bending them into a half circle. Women covered the wigwams with woven mats made of birch bark, animal skins, cornhusks or reeds. Wigwams were not only used for shelters, but for a cooking area during the winter as well. Natives made a small hole in to top of the roof to allow smoke to escape during cooking. Some places here in North Carolina were named by the Native’s. These places include, Roanoke, Hatteras Island, Pamlico Sound, Neuse River and the Pee Dee River.

What do we have today that originated from the Coastal Plain Natives?

Piedmont Region Native Americans The Piedmont region tribes included the Catawba, Tuscarora, Chowanoc, and Waxhaw Natives. These tribes were mostly peaceful people but were known to go to war if someone tried to take their land. They were known to get into arguments and begin wars if these types of disagreements took place. The Catawba was the largest tribe in the Piedmont region. They were a peaceful tribe and great farmers. The women were known to make beautiful pottery and the men were great neighbors. When other tribes took things from settlers, the Catawba often found the goods and returned them.

Piedmont Region Tribes The Tuscarora, lived all across the state. They did not like the Catawba Tribe and often attacked these villages. They were also enemies of white people. They didn’t like the fact that Europeans tried to take their land and hunt their animals. The Chowanoc made bad deals with settlers. When Europeans arrived, they signed a treaty that they would obey the Queen of England. Many Natives wanted to have a war with the Europeans, but the Chowanac fought battles with the colonists. During the war, the Chowanoc lost majority of their land. The people that survived joined the Tuscarora Tribe.

Piedmont Region Tribes The Waxhaw tribe was referred to as the “flat heads”. They had a custom of flattening the heads of their children by strapping them to cradle boards and tying weights to the top of children’s heads. They believed that the added weight made children’s eyes grow farther apart, allowing them to see animals at a greater distance during hunting. The Piedmont natives were known for having festivals of Thanksgiving, story telling, singing, dancing, games and having plenty of food.

Do you believe land in the Piedmont Region should belong to the Natives?