8 Historical Facts About
Indigenous People You Probably Didn't Know
The history of indigenous people is almost lost since books begin
their narration from the entry of Columbus in America. America is
also shy to accept the atrocities committed against the indigenous
people. Pocket communities of indigenous people have also not
written enough to tell their story. It leaves a lot of gaps in the
narrative told by these people.
History relies on facts and not opinions or perceptions. Do you need
assistance with your history
research paper? Here are facts about indigenous people that
will make your essay compelling to read.
1. Columbus Never Landed In US
History books state that Columbus landed at Upper 48. It is a
misrepresentation of facts that many people have missed. The correct
position is that he docked at the Caribbean. It points at blind
spots that have seen students recite and develop plays of what
happened in 1492. It is time this myth was corrected.
2. The Story of Pocahontas
Pocahontas is said to have been eight years during the arrival of
John Smith. He married a young Indian warrior. By the time he
married John Rolfe, he had a child who was given away for adoption.
This narrative is erroneous according to local tales. The truth is
that she never fell in love with John. She went into captivity, and
the child had to be adapted. Detention happened at the age of
fifteen to sixteen years.
3. Thanksgiving
The notion is that Thanksgiving is a peaceful meal and holiday for
people to come together. William Newell set the holiday to celebrate
victory over Pequots. During the massacre, more than 400 Indians
died. Celebrations have continued henceforth since 1636.
4. Pay For Killing A Red Indian
The discovery of a paper dated 1862 indicates that the government
paid $200 for every red skin. It shows the regard which the whites
had for indigenous people. Such records and open discrimination
explain the disdain that the word 'Redskin’ receives.
5. Lincoln And The Mass Execution Of 1862
President Abraham Lincon ordered the execution of 38 indigenous
people in Dakota after they waged a resistance war. This information
remains hidden from the history of indigenous people in America.
6. Hitler Learnt from the Americans
Hitler borrowed the idea and tactics of annihilating jews from
Reservations in the US. It explains the similarity between Hitler's
concentration camps and what happened to Navajo and Mescalero men
between 1863 and 1868.
7. America Has 567 Tribes Recognized At
Federal Level
It sounds strange to associate America with multiple tribes. The 567
tribes that are federally recognized are never mentioned in history
books. Surprisingly, America has such a diverse culture, language,
and tribal grouping.
8. History of Native Americans
Few scholars have written on the subject. The few authors note that
Native Americans were the first slaves. This revelation shows that
indigenous people died from more than diseases and war. Slavery is
added to their causes of death, as shameful as this history is to
Americans.
America has a long way to go in revealing the real history of
indigenous people. The history must be told even though it is
painful. Misrepresented facts must also be corrected.
Return to Indigenous Peoples' Literature