Evolution Of Native American Culture

Bastardized versions of Native American history have been widely accepted within the media, which is often seen from classic Western films to some of our children’s beloved Disney adaptations. Such has caused many of the undereducated to hold a belief that the extent of Native American history is one of rebellion upon horseback while shooting rifles in the air, and attempting to scalp any “white man” who dared trespass onto their defined territory. This could not be further from the truth. Prior to European contact, Native Americans thrived and prospered, and even more, through their ingenuity, they progressed. Such progress could be seen by their adaptation to the ever changing climate, by their highly efficient technology and usage of nature, …show more content…
The Munsee tribe was in alliance with the Mahican tribe since they shared the Mohawk tribe as a common enemy. The Mohawk tribe was in alliance with the Ottawa and Potawatomi tribes as they had very many enemies, most likely due to their religious cannibalism. All of the different clans had their own forms of religion and type of government, some of which were not practiced in Europe, and all of which the Native Americans came to follow by their own means. Some of the types of governments included ruling Chieftains, councils of Elders, Medicine Men, heavy democratic ruling, Clan Mothers, and even a Confederacy made between several neighboring clans. The Mahican tribe would democratically elect all of their officials except for their chief, who would work towards peace for his people. Since all of the gardening and gathering was done by the women of the tribes often these women held positions of influence, and some clans such as the Iroquois gave the most authoritative position to a female called the Clan Mother. A Clan Mother was responsible for listening to her people, for selecting men from the tribe to act as Chief, for advising the appointed Chief, and for making sure that the supplies were equally distributed. A Medicine Man would generally advise the Chief of his clan, he would speak with the spirit world, heal the ill, prophesize the future, and by some clans be chosen as the war chief, which would make him the most prominent man in the clan. All of these clans were trying to work towards the safety of its people and the betterment of their lifestyles. For this reason, some clans would work together by exchanging goods not readily accessible to each clan, they would fight together against common enemy tribes in their alliances, and they would exchange ideas such as ways to improve