For a country that sits on Native land, America doesn’t always remember who’s been here longest. Indigenous history isn’t just about teepees and totem poles, and it’s not confined to a single day, such as Thanksgiving. Native Americans aren’t stuck in the past; they’re alive, thriving, voting, creating art, running businesses, and reshaping the story of what it means to be American.
However, there’s still a lot that most people are unaware of. These facts might surprise you, and they might even challenge what you learned in school. Either way, they’ll give you a fuller picture of the people whose stories started long before 1776.
There Are Over 570 Federally Recognized Tribes
Most Americans can name maybe five tribes. However, there are 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States, each with its own distinct culture, government, and language. And that doesn’t include tribes recognized only by their states or those still fighting for recognition.
Many Native Languages Are Still Spoken Today
More than 150 Native American languages are still spoken in the U.S. today. Yupik, spoken in Alaska, has over 10,000 speakers. Navajo is the most spoken Indigenous language in the U.S., with roughly half of Native North American language speakers speaking it, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These languages are living proof that cultural survival is not just possible but happening.
Native Americans Serve in the Military at High Rates
Native Americans have the highest per-capita involvement in the U.S. military of any ethnic group. Native Americans serve in the armed forces at a rate of five times the national average, according to the National Indian Council on Aging. Patriotism and tribal loyalty often go hand in hand, even for a country that hasn’t always treated Native communities fairly.
Not All Native Americans Live on Reservations
Contrary to what TV shows might suggest, most Native Americans do not live on reservations. Nearly 71% live in urban or suburban areas, based on data from the Urban Indian Health Institute. Cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New York have large Native populations, and yes, they still practice their culture in their city homes.
Indigenous People Were America’s First Farmers
Long before Whole Foods, Native people were cultivating crops like corn, squash, and beans. They even developed farming methods, such as companion planting. Maize was first domesticated in Mexico hundreds of years ago, and its cultivation changed diets across the Americas. It’s not a stretch to say Native agriculture fed the world.
Tribal Governments Are Sovereign Nations
Tribal nations aren’t just cultural groups. They’re legally recognized governments with their own laws, courts, and police. The U.S. Constitution acknowledges tribal sovereignty. That means tribes can govern their land and people, negotiate with the federal government, and even have embassies in D.C.; the Cherokee Nation has one.
The Indian Health Service Is Severely Underfunded
Native Americans are supposed to receive free healthcare through the Indian Health Service (IHS), a promise made in treaties. But the reality is grim. In 2023, the IHS spent roughly $4,078 per person. That’s less than half of what the federal government spent on federal prisoners. Clinics are understaffed, and many are hours away from tribal homes.
Many State Names Come From Native Words
Your state might be named after a tribe or a Native word. More than half of U.S. states, 27 to be exact, have names rooted in Indigenous languages. Think Dakota (Sioux), Illinois (Algonquian), or Texas (Caddo). These aren’t just names on a map; they’re pieces of culture that have lasted centuries.
Indigenous Activism Sparked the Environmental Movement
Long before climate change became a headline, Native activists were fighting to protect land and water. The modern environmental movement owes a debt to leaders like Winona LaDuke, an Ojibwe economist and activist. In recent years, movements like #NoDAPL at Standing Rock brought global attention to Indigenous environmental justice.
Native Americans Vote — But Face Major Barriers
Voter ID laws, distant polling places, and a lack of mail access still block many Native voters. In the 2020 election, despite these hurdles, Native voter turnout surged. American Indians’ turnout often greatly influences key battleground states.
Indigenous Artists Are Redefining American Culture
From fashion to film, Native creatives are breaking stereotypes and promoting their traditions. Shows like Reservation Dogs, created by Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Muscogee), are made by Indigenous writers, actors, and directors. Fashion designers like Jamie Okuma blend traditional beadwork with high-end couture.
The Boarding School Era Still Hurts
Between the 1860s and 1970s, thousands of Native children were taken from their families and placed in government or church-run boarding schools. Their language, clothes, and culture were stripped away. In 2022, the Department of the Interior identified 408 schools and over 500 burial sites. The trauma didn’t end when the schools closed. It passed through generations.
Indigenous People Are Still Fighting for Land Back
Land theft didn’t end with westward expansion. Today, tribes continue to battle to reclaim sacred lands and assert their treaty rights. The Land Back movement is one such push. These efforts aren’t about nostalgia; they’re about justice, survival, and honoring history and landmarks that are far from finished.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
