American Indians

By Cameron Bressler

And Sarah Moreland

When European settlers came to American Indian lands, life changed for the American Indians. For many years, they were not treated fairly. Promises of land and help for them were not kept.

Some groups no longer know how to speak their language. For example , the Wiyots only speak English.

Today many scientists want to learn what these groups know. The scientists want to use the plants and help the animals just as the American Indian groups done for centuries.

Many American Indian groups run their own reservations. Each can have its own tribal government and make its own laws.

Some American Indians live on reservations. Many reservations are located in California.

Naomi Lang is a member of the Karuk tribe. She was the first American Indian female to compete in the Olympic games.

The National Museum of the American Indian has many exhibits. One exhibit looks at what eight different groups think about the earth and how they honor all living things.

For the Mojave Indians, who still live in the desert region, have a hotel that makes money for them. They also make money by letting a company have a power plant there.

Today, American Indians do not live the way they did in the past. They still keep many customs however, and teach them to their children.

American Indians have a special history with California. They were the first people to live here.