What are some of the contributions of Native American culture to contemporary society? A project of San Diego State University’s School of Social Work

American Indian Art Chiefs in Blue, 1995 American Indian Artist: Earl Biss

American Indian Art Smoke Signal, 1993 American Indian Artist: Allen Houser

Navajo Weaving The Navajo woman in the photograph is weaving a blanket on a loom whose design dates back to the 1600s.

American Indian Dance

American Indian Inventions: The Kayak The Kayak was invented by the Inuit Peoples. Each design reflected the needs of its people and their fine artistry.

American Indian Inventions: Lacrosse The game of lacrosse was invented by the Native American tribes living around the St. Lawrence River in New York and Ontario, and was spread by the Huron and the Iroquois.

American Indian Astronomy The Big Horn Medicine Wheel has 28 spokes that represent the 28 days of the lunar cycle. The center cairn and the one outside the rim establish an alignment with the rising sun on summer solstice and another cairn measures the setting sun on the same day. The Big Horn Medicine Wheel has 28 spokes that represent the 28 days of the lunar cycle. The center cairn and the one outside the rim establish an alignment with the rising sun on summer solstice and another cairn measures the setting sun on the same day.

American Indian Astronomy The number 4 also corresponds to the four sacred elements of Earth, Water, Fire and Air. The Lakota oral traditions saw the four elements also relating to the four colors of the medicine wheel-- red, yellow, black and white which reflects the 4 main races of the world. The number 4 also corresponds to the four sacred elements of Earth, Water, Fire and Air. The Lakota oral traditions saw the four elements also relating to the four colors of the medicine wheel-- red, yellow, black and white which reflects the 4 main races of the world.

"Flag Raising At Iwo Jima" On a hilltop above a Pacific island, a small group of Marines struggled to raise the American flag to claim victory over the Japanese occupancy. As the flag was being raised, Ira Hayes, Pima rushed to help his comrades.

Ira Hayes Ira Hayes was born on the Pima Indian Reservation in Sacaton, Arizona

Influence in Art & Architecture Mayan Murals of Bonampak & Quetzalcoatl

Precolumbian Inca Jewelry

The Cocoa Tree In 600 A.D. the Mayans migrated into the northern regions of South America, establishing the earliest known cocoa plantations in the Yucatan. It has been argued that the Mayans had been familiar with cocoa several centuries prior to this date. In 600 A.D. the Mayans migrated into the northern regions of South America, establishing the earliest known cocoa plantations in the Yucatan. It has been argued that the Mayans had been familiar with cocoa several centuries prior to this date.

Our Contributions to US Policy It is no coincidence that the U.S. Constitution strikingly resembles, in both principle and form, the Great Law of Peace of the Six Nations Confederacy of the Iroquois League. It is no coincidence that the U.S. Constitution strikingly resembles, in both principle and form, the Great Law of Peace of the Six Nations Confederacy of the Iroquois League.

Kumeyaay Art Kumeyaay Pictographs at Indian Hill: 'Blue Sun Cave', a name derived from the blue sun burst in the upper left. Kumeyaay Pictographs at Indian Hill: 'Blue Sun Cave', a name derived from the blue sun burst in the upper left.

Luiseno Art Luiseno Baskets

Cahuilla Art Cahuilla Coiled Cahuilla Kilt Basket Tray

Cupeno Art Cupeño throwing stick for hunting rabbits

Gabrielino Art Gabrielino rock art

Serrano Art Serrano Indian open container basket is made of sumac and naturally-dried juncus on a grass foundation.

American Indian Culture: Yaqui Yaqui Deer Dance Yaqui Moccasins

American Indian Culture: Tlinglit Tlingit Rattle Tlinglit Crane Tlingit Rattle Tlinglit Crane Top Basket Top Basket

American Indian Culture: Osage Osage Blanket Osage Moccasins Osage Blanket Osage Moccasins

Why Are We Here? We’re Here to Collaborate! So that our work together will produce Positive Outcomes for rural Tribal youth!

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