Do Now: As you listen to the Native American flute music, answer the question below in your notes. What characteristics do you associate with the people indigenous to North America (Native Americans )?

Native America on the Eve of Contact Focus Questions: Who were the people that lived in North America before Europeans arrived? What were they like?

When Columbus arrived in the “New World” in 1492…. Between 7-12 million people lived in what is now US and Canada They lived in more than 350 distinct groups Spoke more than 250 different languages Had own their own political structure and economy Main Idea: Native American societies were as diverse as the environments in which they lived.

Native American Tribes of North America

Native American Tribes of North America

Shared Characteristics Kinship ties (bloodlines or marriage) formed the basis of political, economic, and religious system. Emphasis on importance of the extended family rather than nuclear family. Native religions included belief in close bonds between people, animals, and the natural environment. Land was regarded as source of life, not a commodity to be sold. Main Idea: Although no two Native American societies were alike, many did share certain cultural traits.

1492 What occurred in 1492 that changed Native American lives forever? How do you think Native Americans view this part of history? Why?