2.2 Native American Culture Groups pp. 45-51

Objectives: Describe similarities among Native American cultures. Describe Native American spiritual beliefs.

Review 1. According to the most commonly accepted theory, how did the first humans reach the Americas? 2. Where was the land bridge (what two continents did it connect)? 3. What caused the land bridge to be exposed? 4. Who were the hunter-gatherers and what big-game animals did they hunt? 5. Define archaeologists— 6. Define culture— 7. What two Native American cultures had emerged in the U.S. region by about 2,000 years ago? 8. Define artifact— 9. For what purposes were mounds built? 10. List three mound building groups. 11. Where did the Anasazi often build their homes and why?

A. Shared Cultures (pp. 45-46) There were thousands of Native American groups (or nations) north of Mexico prior to 1500. The most important division in a nation was the clan, a group whose members are related to one another by a common ancestor. Most nations had several leaders, some of whom inherited their positions, while others were elected because of their accomplishments and bravery.

B. Native American Religion (p. 46) Most Native Americans believed in the power of spirits found in nature. Religious leaders, called shamans, were thought to have close contact with the spirit world. Native Americans tried to live in harmony with nature and the land. They believed no one person could own the land.

Native Americans: Contact and Conflict

Review: 12. Define clans— 13. Describe Native American religious beliefs. 14. Define shamans— 15. Describe Native American views on land ownership.