Classification of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas facts for kids
The classification of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas is based upon the land and languages. Anthropologists began to classify the people based on what they knew of the people during the 15th century. This is when Europeans and Africans began arriving in North and South America. Some groups cover many regions because they were forcibly removed from their original homes.
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Canada, Greenland, United States, and northern Mexico
In the United States and Canada, ethnographers usually classify Indigenous peoples into ten geographical regions. These regions have shared cultural traits, so they are called cultural areas.
Arctic
- Paleo-Eskimo, prehistoric cultures, Russia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, 2500 BC–AD 1500
- Arctic small tool tradition, prehistoric culture, 2500 BC, Bering Strait
- Pre-Dorset, eastern Arctic, 2500–500 BC
- Saqqaq culture, Greenland, 2500–800 BC
- Independence I, northeastern Canada and Greenland, 2400–1800 BC
- Independence II culture, northeastern Canada and Greenland, 800–1 BC)
- Groswater, Labrador and Nunavik, Canada
- Dorset culture, 500 BC–AD 1500, Alaska, Canada
- Aleut (Unangan), Aleutian Islands of Alaska, and Kamchatka Krai, Russia
- Inuit, Russia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland
- Thule, proto-Inuit, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, AD 900–1500
- Birnirk culture, prehistoric Inuit culture, Alaska, AD 500–900
- Greenlandic Inuit, Greenland
- Kalaallit, west Greenland
- Avanersuarmiut (Inughuit), north Greenland
- Tunumiit, east Greenland
- Inuvialuit, western Canadian Arctic
- Iñupiat, north and northwest Alaska
- Thule, proto-Inuit, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, AD 900–1500
- Yupik peoples (Yup'ik), Alaska and Russia
- Alutiiq (Sugpiaq, Pacific Yupik), Alaska Peninsula, coastal and island areas of south-central Alaska
- Central Alaskan Yup'ik people, west-central Alaska
- Cup'ik, Hooper Bay and Chevak, Alaska
- Nunivak Cup'ig people (Cup'ig), Nunivak Island, Alaska
- Siberian Yupik, Russian Far East and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
Subarctic
- Ahtna (Ahtena, Nabesna)
- Anishinaabe – see also Northeastern Woodlands
- Atikamekw, Quebec
- Chipewyan, Alaskan interior, Western Canada
- Cree, Central and Eastern Canada, North Dakota
- Dakelh (Carrier), British Columbia
- Babine, British Columbia
- Wet'suwet'en, British Columbia
- Deg Hit’an (Deg Xinag, Degexit’an, Kaiyuhkhotana), Alaska
- Dena’ina (Tanaina), Alaska
- Dane-zaa (Beaver, Dunneza), Alberta, British Columbia
- Gwich'in (Kutchin, Loucheaux), Alaska, Yukon
- Hän, Alaska, Yukon
- Holikachuk, Alaska
- Innu (Montagnais), Labrador, Quebec
- Kaska (Nahane)
- Kolchan (Upper Kuskokwim)
- Koyukon, Alaska
- Naskapi
- Sekani
- Sahtú (North Slavey, Bearlake, Hare, Mountain), Northwest Territories
- Slavey (Awokanak, Slave, Deh Gah Got'ine, Deh Cho), Alberta, British Columbia
- Tagish
- Tahltan
- Lower Tanana
- Middle Tanana
- Upper Tanana
- Tanacross
- Tasttine (Beaver)
- Tli Cho
- Inland Tlingit
- Tsetsaut (extinct)
- Tsilhqot'in (Chilcotin)
- Northern Tutchone
- Southern Tutchone
- Yellowknives
Pacific Northwest coast
- Alsea, Oregon
- Heiltsuk
- Nuxalk
- Tsleil-Waututh First Nation
- Chehalis (Upper and Lower), Washington
- Chehalis (BC), Fraser Valley
- Chemakum, Washington (extinct)
- Chetco – see Tolowa
- Chinook Dialects: (Lower Chinook, Upper Chinook, Clackamas, Wasco)
- Clallam – see Klallam
- Clatsop
- Comox, Vancouver Island/BC Georgia Strait
- Coos, Hanis, Oregon
- Lower Coquille (Miluk), Oregon
- Upper Coquille
- Cowichan, Southern Vancouver Island and Georgia Strait
- Lower Cowlitz, Washington
- Duwamish, Washington
- Eyak, Alaska
- Galice
- Gitxsan, British Columbia
- Haida (Dialects: Kaigani, Skidegate, Masset), BC & Alaska
- Haisla BC North/Central Coast
- Haihai
- Kimsquit
- Kitimaat
- Heiltsuk BC Central Coast
- Hoh Washington
- Kalapuya (Calapooia, Calapuya, Tfalatim, Yamel, Yaquina, Yoncalla), Oregon
- Central Kalapuya, Oregon
- Ahantchuyuk
- Mary's River
- Lakmiut
- Mohawk, Oregon
- Santiam
- North Kalapuya, Oregon
- Tfalati (Atfalati)
- Tualatin
- Yamhill (Yamel)
- South Kalapuya (Yonkalla, Yoncalla), Oregon
- Central Kalapuya, Oregon
- Klallam (Clallam, Dialects: Klallam (Lower Elwha), S'Klallam (Jamestown), S'Klallam (Port Gamble))
- Klickitat
- Kwalhioqua
- Kwakwaka'wakw, British Columbia
- Koskimo
- 'Namgis
- Laich-kwil-tach (Euclataws or Yuculta)
- Lummi, Washington
- Makah, Washington
- Muckleshoot, Washington
- Musqueam, BC Lower Mainland (Vancouver)
- Nisga'a, British Columbia
- Nisqually, Washington
- Nooksack, Washington
- Nuu-chah-nulth West Coast of Vancouver Island
- Nuxalk (Bella Coola) – BC Central Coast
- Oowekeno – see Wuikinuxv
- Pentlatch, Vancouver Island and Georgia Strait (extinct)
- Puyallup, Washington
- Quileute, Washington
- Quinault, Washington
- Rivers Inlet – see Wuikinuxv
- Rogue River or Upper Illinois (Chasta Costa), Oregon, California
- Saanich Southern Vancouver Island/Georgia Strait
- Samish, Washington
- Sauk-Suiattle, Washington
- Sechelt, BC Sunshine Coast/Georgia Strait (Shishalh)
- Shoalwater Bay Tribe, Washington
- Siletz, Oregon
- Siuslaw, Oregon
- Skagit
- Skokomish, Washington
- Sliammon, BC Sunshine Coast/Georgia Strait (Mainland Comox)
- Snohomish
- Snoqualmie
- Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo), Vancouver Island
- Songhees (Songish), Southern Vancouver Island/Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Sooke, Southern Vancouver Island/Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Squamish (Skwxwu7mesh), British Columbia
- Squaxin Island Tribe Washington
- Spokane Washington
- Stillaguamish Washington
- Sto:lo, BC Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley
- Steilacoom, Coast Salish, Puget Sound, Washington (extinct)
- Suquamish, Washington
- Swinomish, Washington
- Tait
- Takelma Oregon
- Talio
- Tillamook (Nehalem) Oregon
- Tlatlasikoala
- Tlingit, Alaska
- Tolowa-Tututni, Northern California
- Tsimshian
- Tsleil-waututh (Burrard), British Columbia
- Tulalip, Washington
- Twana, Washington
- Tzouk-e (Sooke), Vancouver Island
- Lower Umpqua, Oregon
- Upper Umpqua, Oregon
- Upper Skagit Washington
- Wuikinuxv (Owekeeno), BC Central Coast
Northwest Plateau
Chinook peoples
- Clackamas, Oregon
- Clatsop, Oregon
- Kathlamet (Cathlamet), Washington
- Multnomah
- Wasco-Wishram, Oregon and Washington
- Watlata, Washington
Interior Salish
- Chelan
- Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Idaho, Montana, Washington
- Entiat, Washington
- Flathead (Selisch or Salish), Idaho, Montana
- Kalispel (Pend d'Oreilles), Montana, Washington
- Lower Kalispel, Washington
- Upper Kalispel, Montana
- In-SHUCK-ch, British Columbia (Lower Lillooet)
- Lil'wat, British Columbia (Lower Lillooet)
- Methow, Washington
- Nespelem, Washington
- Nlaka'pamux (Thompson people), British Columbia
- Nicola people (Thompson-Okanagan confederacy)
- Sanpoil, Washington
- Secwepemc, British Columbia (Shuswap people)
- Sinixt (Lakes), British Columbia, Idaho, and Washington
- Sinkayuse (Sinkiuse-Columbia), Washington (extinct)
- Spokane people, Washington
- Syilx (Okanagan), British Columbia, Washington
- St'at'imc, British Columbia (Upper Lillooet)
- Wenatchi (Wenatchee), Washington
Sahaptin people
- Cowlitz, (Upper Cowlitz, Taidnapam), Washington
- Klickitat, Washington
- Nez Perce, Idaho
- Tenino (Tygh, Warm Springs), Oregon
- Umatilla, Idaho, Oregon
- Walla Walla, Washington
- Wanapum, Washington
- Wauyukma
- Wyam (Lower Deschutes)
- Yakama, Washington
Other or both
- Cayuse, Oregon, Washington
- Celilo (Wayampam)
- Cowlitz, Washington
- Fort Klamath, Oregon
- Kalapuya, northwest Oregon
- Atfalati (Tualatin, northwest Oregon
- Mohawk River, northwest Oregon
- Santiam, northwest Oregon
- Yaquina, northwest Oregon
- Kutenai (Kootenai, Ktunaxa), British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana
- Lower Snake people: Chamnapam, Wauyukma, Naxiyampam
- Modoc, formerly California, now Oklahoma and Oregon
- Molala (Molale), Oregon
- Nicola Athapaskans (extinct), British Columbia
- Palus (Palouse), Idaho, Oregon, and Washington
- Upper Nisqually (Mishalpan)
Great Plains
Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains are often separated into Northern and Southern Plains tribes.
- Anishinaabeg (Anishinape, Anicinape, Neshnabé, Nishnaabe) (see also Subarctic, Northeastern Woodlands)
- Saulteaux (Nakawē), Manitoba, Minnesota and Ontario; later Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Saskatchewan
- Odawa people (Ottawa), Ontario, Michigan, later Oklahoma
- Potawatomi, Michigan, Ontario, Indiana, Wisconsin, and later Oklahoma
- Apache (see also Southwest)
- Lipan Apache, New Mexico, Texas
- Plains Apache (Kiowa Apache), Oklahoma
- Querecho Apache, Texas
- Arapaho (Arapahoe), formerly Colorado, currently Oklahoma and Wyoming
- Besawunena
- Nawathinehena
- Arikara (Arikaree, Arikari, Ree), North Dakota
- Atsina (Gros Ventre), Montana
- Blackfoot
- Kainai Nation (Káínaa, Blood), Alberta
- Northern Peigan (Aapátohsipikáni), Alberta
- Blackfeet, Southern Piegan (Aamsskáápipikani), Montana
- Siksika (Siksikáwa), Alberta
- Cheyenne, Montana, Oklahoma
- Suhtai, Montana, Oklahoma
- Comanche, Oklahoma, Texas
- Plains Cree, Montana
- Crow (Absaroka, Apsáalooke), Montana
- Escanjaques, Oklahoma
- Hidatsa, North Dakota
- Iowa (Ioway), Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma
- Kaw (Kansa, Kanza), Oklahoma
- Kiowa, Oklahoma
- Mandan, North Dakota
- Métis people (Canada), North Dakota, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta
- Missouri (Missouria), Oklahoma
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Osage, Oklahoma, formerly Arkansas, Missouri
- Otoe (Oto), Oklahoma
- Pawnee, Oklahoma
- Chaui, Oklahoma
- Kitkehakhi, Oklahoma
- Pitahawirata, Oklahoma
- Skidi, Oklahoma
- Ponca, Nebraska, Oklahoma
- Quapaw, formerly Arkansas, Oklahoma
- Sioux
- Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
- Lakota (Teton), Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Saskatchewan
- Sičháŋǧu (Brulé, Burned Thighs)
- Oglála (Scatters Their Own)
- Itázipčho (Sans Arc, No Bows)
- Húŋkpapȟa (Hunkpapa)
- Mnikȟówožu (Miniconjou)
- Sihásapa (Blackfoot Sioux)
- Oóhenuŋpa (Two Kettles)
- Nakoda (Stoney), Alberta
- Nakota, Assiniboine (Assiniboin), Montana, Saskatchewan
- Teyas, Texas
- Tonkawa, Oklahoma
- Tsuu T’ina, (Sarcee, Sarsi, Tsuut’ina), Alberta
- Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Kitikiti'sh), Oklahoma, formerly Texas and Kansas
Eastern Woodlands
Northeastern Woodlands
- Accomac people, formerly Eastern Shore of Virginia
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- Accohannock, formerly Eastern Shore of Virginia
- Gingaskin, formerly Eastern Shore of Virginia
- Adena culture (1000–200 BC) formerly Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland
- Abenaki (Tarrantine), Quebec, Maine, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, and Vermont
- Eastern Abenaki, Quebec, Maine, and New Hampshire
- Kennebec (Caniba), Maine
- Western Abenaki: Quebec, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont
- Eastern Abenaki, Quebec, Maine, and New Hampshire
- Annamessex, Annemessex, formerly Eastern Shore of Maryland
- Anishinaabeg (Anishinape, Anicinape, Neshnabé, Nishnaabe) (see also Subarctic, Plains)
- Algonquin, Quebec, Ontario
- Nipissing, Ontario
- Ojibwe (Chippewa, Ojibwa), Ontario, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
- Mississaugas, Ontario
- Saulteaux (Nakawē), Ontario
- Odawa people (Ottawa), Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Ontario; later Oklahoma
- Potawatomi, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ontario, Wisconsin; later Kansas and Oklahoma
- Assateague, formerly Maryland
- Attawandaron (Neutral), formerly Ontario
- Beothuk, formerly Newfoundland
- Chowanoke, North Carolina
- Choptank people, Maryland
- Conoy, Virginia, Maryland
- Fort Ancient culture (AD 1000–1750), formerly Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia
- Erie, formerly Pennsylvania, New York
- Etchemin, formerlyMaine
- Ho-Chunk (Winnebago), southern Wisconsin and Nebraska, formerly northern Illinois, formerly Iowa, and Nebraska
- Honniasont, formerly Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia
- Hopewell tradition, formerly Ohio, Illinois, and Kentucky, and Black River region, 200 BC–AD 500
- Housatonic, formerly Massachusetts, New York
- Illinois Confederacy (Illiniwek), formerly Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri
- Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee), Ontario, Quebec, and New York
- Kickapoo, formerly Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, now Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Mexico
- Laurentian (St. Lawrence Iroquoians), formerly New York, Ontario, and Quebec, 14th century–1580
- Lenni Lenape (Delaware), formerly Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, now Ontario, Wisconsin and Oklahoma
- Munsee-speaking subgroups, formerly Long Island and southeastern New York, now Wisconsin
- Canarsie (Canarsee), formerly Long Island New York
- Esopus, formerly New York, later Ontario and Wisconsin
- Hackensack, formerly New York
- Haverstraw (Rumachenanck), New York
- Kitchawank (Kichtawanks, Kichtawank), New York
- Minisink, formerly New York
- Navasink, to the east along the north shore of New Jersey
- Sanhican (Raritan), formerly Monmouth County, New Jersey
- Sinsink (Sintsink), Westchester County, New York
- Siwanoy, formerly New York and Connecticut
- Tappan, formerly New York
- Waoranecks
- Wappinger (Wecquaesgeek, Nochpeem), formerly New York
- Warranawankongs
- Wiechquaeskeck, formerly New York
- Wisquaskeck (Raritan), formerly Westchester County, New York
- Unami-speaking subgroups
- Acquackanonk, formerly Passaic River in northern New Jersey
- Okehocking, formerly southeast Pennsylvania
- Unalachtigo, formerly Delaware, New Jersey
- Munsee-speaking subgroups, formerly Long Island and southeastern New York, now Wisconsin
- Mahican (Stockbridge Mahican) formerly Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont
- Manahoac, Virginia
- Mascouten, formerly Michigan
- Massachusett, formerly Massachusetts
- Ponkapoag, formerly Massachusetts
- Meherrin, Virginia, North Carolina
- Menominee, Wisconsin
- Meskwaki (Fox), formerly Michigan, now Iowa
- Mi'kmaq (Micmac), New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Maine
- Mohegan, Connecticut
- Monacan, Virginia
- Montaukett (Montauk), New York
- Monyton (Monetons, Monekot, Moheton) (Siouan), West Virginia and Virginia
- Nansemond, Virginia
- Nanticoke, Delaware and Maryland
- Narragansett, Rhode Island
- Niantic, coastal Connecticut
- Nipmuc (Nipmuck), Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island
- Nottaway, Virginia
- Occaneechi (Occaneechee), Virginia
- Passamaquoddy, New Brunswick, and Maine
- Patuxent, Maryland
- Paugussett, Connecticut
- Potatuck, New York
- Peoria, Illinois, now Oklahoma
- Mitchigamea, formerly Illinois, now Oklahoma
- Moingona, formerly Illinois, now Oklahoma
- Tamaroa, formerly Illinois, now Oklahoma
- Wea, formerly Indiana, now Oklahoma
- Pennacook tribe, formerly Massachusetts, New Hampshire
- Penobscot, Maine
- Pequot, Connecticut
- Petun (Tionontate), Ontario
- Piscataway, Maryland
- Pocumtuc, western Massachusetts
- Podunk, formerly New York, eastern Hartford County, Connecticut
- Powhatan Confederacy, Virginia
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- Appomattoc, Virginia
- Arrohateck, Virginia
- Chesapeake, Virginia
- Chesepian, Virginia
- Chickahominy, Virginia
- Kiskiack, Virginia
- Mattaponi, Virginia
- Nansemond, Virginia
- Paspahegh, Virginia
- Potomac (Patawomeck), Virginia
- Powhatan, Virginia
- Pamunkey, Virginia
- Quinnipiac, Connecticut, eastern New York, northern New Jersey
- Rappahannock, Virginia
- Sauk (Sac), formerly Michigan, now Iowa, Oklahoma
- Schaghticoke, western Connecticut
- Shawnee, formerly Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, now Oklahoma
- Shinnecock, Long Island, New York
- Stegarake, formerly Virginia
- Stuckanox (Stukanox), Virginia
- Conestoga (Susquehannock), Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia
- Tauxenent (Doeg), Virginia
- Tunxis (Massaco), Connecticut
- Tuscarora, formerly North Carolina, Virginia, currently New York
- Tutelo (Nahyssan), Virginia
- Unquachog (Poospatuck), Long Island, New York
- Wabanaki, Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec
- Wampanoag, Massachusetts
- Wangunk (Mattabeset), formerly Connecticut
- Wawyachtonoc, formerly Connecticut, New York
- Weapemeoc, formerly northern North Carolina
- Wenro, formerly New York
- Wicocomico, formerly Maryland, Virginia
- Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec
- Wyandot (Huron), Ontario south of Georgian Bay, now Oklahoma, Kansas, Michigan, and Wendake, Quebec
Southeastern Woodlands
- Acolapissa (Colapissa), Louisiana and Mississippi
- Ais, eastern coastal Florida
- Alafay (Alafia, Pojoy, Pohoy, Costas Alafeyes, Alafaya Costas), Florida
- Amacano, Florida west coast
- Apalachee, northwestern Florida
- Atakapa (Attacapa), Louisiana west coast and Texas southwestern coast
- Avoyel ("little Natchez"), Louisiana
- Bayogoula, southeastern Louisiana
- Biloxi, Mississippi
- Caddo Confederacy, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas
- Adai (Adaizan, Adaizi, Adaise, Adahi, Adaes, Adees, Atayos), Louisiana and Texas
- Cahinnio, southern Arkansas
- Doustioni, north central Louisiana
- Eyeish (Hais), eastern Texas
- Hainai, eastern Texas
- Hasinai, eastern Texas
- Kadohadacho, northeastern Texas, southwestern Arkansas, northwestern Louisiana
- Nabedache, eastern Texas
- Nabiti, eastern Texas
- Nacogdoche, eastern Texas
- Nacono, eastern Texas
- Nadaco, eastern Texas
- Nanatsoho, northeastern Texas
- Nasoni, eastern Texas
- Natchitoches, Lower: central Louisiana, Upper: northeastern Texas
- Neche, eastern Texas
- Nechaui, eastern Texas
- Ouachita, northern Louisiana
- Tula, western Arkansas
- Yatasi, northwestern Louisiana
- Calusa, southwestern Florida
- Cape Fear Indians, North Carolina southern coast
- Catawba (Esaw, Usheree, Ushery, Yssa), North Carolina, South Carolina
- Chacato, Florida panhandle and southern Alabama
- Chakchiuma, Alabama and Mississippi
- Chatot people (Chacato, Chactoo), west Florida
- Chawasha (Washa), Louisiana
- Cheraw (Chara, Charàh), North Carolina
- Cherokee, western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, later Georgia, northwestern South Carolina, northern Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Mexico, and currently North Carolina and Oklahoma
- Chickanee (Chiquini), North Carolina
- Chickasaw, Alabama and Mississippi, later Oklahoma
- Chicora, coastal South Carolina
- Chine, Florida
- Chisca (Cisca), southwestern Virginia
- Chitimacha, Louisiana
- Choctaw, Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Louisiana; later Oklahoma
- Chowanoc (Chowanoke), North Carolina
- Congaree (Canggaree), South Carolina
- Coree, North Carolina
- Croatan, North Carolina
- Cusabo coastal South Carolina
- Eno, North Carolina
- Grigra (Gris), Mississippi
- Guacata (Santalûces), eastern coastal Florida
- Guacozo, Florida
- Guale (Cusabo, Iguaja, Ybaja), coastal Georgia
- Guazoco, southwestern Florida coast
- Houma, Louisiana and Mississippi
- Jaega (Jobe), eastern coastal Florida
- Jaupin (Weapemoc), North Carolina
- Jororo, Florida interior
- Keyauwee, North Carolina
- Koasati (Coushatta), formerly eastern Tennessee, currently Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas
- Koroa, Mississippi
- Luca, southwestern Florida coast
- Lumbee, North Carolina
- Machapunga, North Carolina
- Matecumbe (Matacumbêses, Matacumbe, Matacombe), Florida Keys
- Mayaca, Florida
- Mayaimi (Mayami), interior Florida
- Mayajuaca, Florida
- Mikasuki (Miccosukee), Florida
- Mobila (Mobile, Movila), northwestern Florida and southern Alabama
- Mocoso, western Florida
- Mougoulacha, Mississippi
- Muscogee (Creek), Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and later Oklahoma
- Abihka, Alabama, later Oklahoma
- Alabama, formerly Alabama, southwestern Tennessee, and northwestern Mississippi, now Oklahoma and Texas
- Pakana (Pacâni, Pagna, Pasquenan, Pak-ká-na, Pacanas), central Alabama, later Texas
- Apalachicola Province, (Lower Towns of the Muscogee (Creek) Confederacy), Alabama and Georgia
- Apalachicola (town), Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina
- Hitchiti, Alabama and Georgia
- Oconi, Alabama and Georgia
- Sabacola (Sawakola, Sabacôla, Savacola, Sawokli), Alabama and Georgia
- Chiaha, Creek Confederacy, Alabama
- Eufaula tribe, Georgia, later Oklahoma
- Kialegee Tribal Town, Alabama, later Oklahoma
- Osochee (Osochi, Oswichee, Usachi, Oosécha), Creek Confederacy, Alabama
- Talapoosa, Creek Confederacy, Alabama
- Thlopthlocco Tribal Town, Alabama, Georgia, later Oklahoma
- Tukabatchee, Muscogee Creek Confederacy, Alabama
- Naniaba, northwestern Florida and southern Alabama
- Natchez, Louisiana and Mississippi later Oklahoma
- Neusiok (Newasiwac, Neuse River Indians), North Carolina
- Norwood culture, Apalachee region, Florida, c. 12,000–4500 BC
- Ofo, Arkansas and Mississippi, eastern Tennessee
- Okchai (Ogchay), central Alabama
- Okelousa, Louisiana
- Opelousas, Louisiana
- Pacara, Florida
- Pamlico, formerly North Carolina
- Pascagoula, Mississippi coast
- Pee Dee (Pedee), South Carolina and North Carolina
- Pensacola, Florida panhandle and southern Alabama
- Potoskeet, North Carolina
- Quinipissa, southeastern Louisiana and Mississippi
- Roanoke, North Carolina
- Saluda (Saludee, Saruti), South Carolina
- Santee (Seretee, Sarati, Sati, Sattees), South Carolina (no relation to Santee Sioux), South Carolina
- Santa Luces, Florida
- Saponi, North Carolina, Virginia
- Saura, North Carolina
- Saxapahaw (Sissipahaw, Sissipahua, Shacioes), North Carolina
- Secotan, North Carolina
- Seminole, Florida and Oklahoma
- Sewee (Suye, Joye, Xoye, Soya), South Carolina coast
- Shakori, North Carolina
- Shoccoree (Haw), North Carolina, possibly Virginia
- Sissipahaw, North Carolina
- Sugeree (Sagarees, Sugaws, Sugar, Succa), North Carolina and South Carolina
- Surruque, east-central Florida
- Suteree (Sitteree, Sutarees, Sataree), North Carolina
- Taensa, Mississippi
- Taposa, Mississippi
- Tawasa, Alabama
- Tequesta, southeastern coastal Florida
- Timucua, Florida and Georgia
- Acuera, central Florida
- Agua Fresca (or Agua Dulce or Freshwater), interior northeast Florida
- Arapaha, north-central Florida and south-central Georgia
- Cascangue, coastal southeast Georgia
- Icafui (or Icafi), coastal southeast Georgia
- Mocama (or Tacatacuru), coastal northeast Florida and coastal southeast Georgia
- Northern Utina north central Florida
- Ocale, central Florida
- Oconi, interior southeast Georgia
- Potano, north central Florida
- Saturiwa, northeast Florida
- Tacatacuru, coastal southeast Georgia
- Tucururu (or Tucuru), central? Florida
- Utina (or Eastern Utina), northeast central Florida
- Yufera, coastal southeast Georgia
- Yui (Ibi), coastal southeast Georgia
- Yustaga, north central Florida
- Tiou (Tioux), Mississippi
- Tocaste, Florida
- Tocobaga, Florida
- Tohomé, northwestern Florida and southern Alabama
- Tomahitan, eastern Tennessee
- Topachula, Florida
- Tunica, Arkansas and Mississippi
- Utiza, Florida
- Uzita, Tampa Bay, Florida
- Vicela, Florida
- Viscaynos, Florida
- Waccamaw, South Carolina
- Waccamaw Siouan, North Carolina
- Wateree (Guatari, Watterees), North Carolina
- Waxhaw (Waxsaws, Wisack, Wisacky, Weesock, Flathead), North Carolina and South Carolina
- Westo, Virginia and South Carolina, extinct
- Winyaw, South Carolina coast
- Woccon, North Carolina
- Yamasee, Florida, Georgia
- Yazoo, southeastern tip of Arkansas, eastern Louisiana, Mississippi
- Yuchi (Euchee), central Tennessee, then northwest Georgia, now Oklahoma
Great Basin
- Ahwahnechee, Yosemite Valley, California
- Bannock, Idaho
- Southern Paiute, Arizona, Nevada, Utah
- Chemehuevi, southeastern California
- Kaibab, northwestern Arizona
- Kaiparowtis, southwestern Utah
- Moapa, southern Nevada
- Panaca
- Panguitch, Utah
- Paranigets, southern Nevada
- Shivwits, southwestern Utah
- Southern Paiute, Arizona, Nevada, Utah
- Coso People, of Coso Rock Art District in the Coso Range, Mojave Desert California
- Fremont culture (AD 400–1300), formerly Utah
- Kawaiisu, southern inland California
- Mono, southeastern California
- Eastern Mono, southeastern California
- Western Mono or Owens Valley Paiute, eastern California and Nevada
- Northern Paiute, eastern California, Nevada, Oregon, southwestern Idaho
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- Kucadikadi, Mono Lake Paiute, Mono Lake, California
- Shoshone (Shoshoni), California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming
- Eastern Shoshone people:
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- Guchundeka', Kuccuntikka, Buffalo Eaters
- Tukkutikka, Tukudeka, Mountain Sheep Eaters, joined the Northern Shoshone
- Boho'inee', Pohoini, Pohogwe, Sage Grass people, Sagebrush Butte People
- Northern Shoshone, Idaho
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- Agaideka, Salmon Eaters, Lemhi, Snake River and Lemhi River Valley
- Doyahinee', Mountain people
- Kammedeka, Kammitikka, Jack Rabbit Eaters, Snake River, Great Salt Lake
- Hukundüka, Porcupine Grass Seed Eaters, Wild Wheat Eaters, possibly synonymous with Kammitikka
- Tukudeka, Dukundeka', Sheep Eaters (Mountain Sheep Eaters), Sawtooth Range, Idaho
- Yahandeka, Yakandika, Groundhog Eaters, lower Boise, Payette, and Wiser Rivers
- Western Shoshone people:
-
-
- Cedar Valley Goshute
- Deep Creek Goshute
- Rush Valley Goshute
- Skull Valley Goshute, Wipayutta, Weber Ute
- Tooele Valley Goshute
- Trout Creek Goshute
- Kuyatikka, Kuyudikka, Bitterroot Eaters, Halleck, Mary's River, Clover Valley, Smith Creek Valley, Nevada
- Mahaguadüka, Mentzelia Seed Eaters, Ruby Valley, Nevada
- Painkwitikka, Penkwitikka, Fish Eaters, Cache Valley, Idaho and Utah
- Pasiatikka, Redtop Grass Eaters, Deep Creek Gosiute, Deep Creek Valley, Antelope Valley
- Tipatikka, Pinenut Eaters, northernmost band
- Tsaiduka, Tule Eaters, Railroad Valley, Nevada
- Tsogwiyuyugi, Elko, Nevada
- Waitikka, Ricegrass Eaters, Ione Valley, Nevada
- Watatikka, Ryegrass Seed Eaters, Ruby Valley, Nevada
- Wiyimpihtikka, Buffalo Berry Eaters
-
-
- Timbisha, aka Panamint or Koso, southeastern California
- Ute, Colorado, Utah, northern New Mexico
- Capote, southeastern Colorado and New Mexico
- Moanunts, Salina, Utah
- Muache, south and central Colorado
- Pahvant, western Utah
- Sanpits, central Utah
- Timpanogots, north-central Utah
- Uintah, Utah
- Uncompahgre or Taviwach, central and northern Colorado
- Weeminuche, western Colorado, eastern Utah, northwestern New Mexico
- White River Utes (Parusanuch and Yampa), Colorado and eastern Utah
- Washo, Nevada and California
- Palagewan
- Pahkanapil
California
- Achomawi, Achumawi, Pit River tribe, northeastern California
- Atsugewi, northeastern California
- Cahuilla, southern California
- Chumash, coastal southern California
- Chilula, northwestern California
- Chimariko, extinct, northwestern California
- Cupeño, southern California
- Eel River Athapaskan peoples
- Lassik, northwestern California
- Mattole (Bear River), northwestern California
- Nongatl, northwestern California
- Sinkyone, northwestern California
- Wailaki, Wai-lakki, northwestern California
- Esselen, west-central California
- Hupa, northwestern California
- Juaneño, Acjachemem, southwestern California
- Karok, northwestern California
- Kato, Cahto, northwestern California
- Kitanemuk, south-central California
- Konkow, northern-central California
- Kumeyaay, Diegueño, Kumiai
- Ipai, southwestern California
- Jamul, southwestern California
- Tipai, southwestern California and northwestern Mexico
- Ipai, southwestern California
- La Jolla complex, southern California, c. 6050–1000 BC
- Luiseño, southwestern California
- Maidu, northeastern California
- Miwok, Me-wuk, central California
- Coast Miwok, west-central California
- Lake Miwok, west-central California
- Valley and Sierra Miwok
- Monache, Western Mono, central California
- Nisenan, eastern-central California
- Nomlaki, northwestern California
- Ohlone, Costanoan, west-central California
- Patwin, central California
- Suisun, Southern Patwin, central California
- Pauma Complex, southern California, c. 6050–1000 BC
- Pomo, northwestern and central-western California
- Salinan, coastal central California
- Antoniaño
- Migueleño
- Serrano, southern California
- Shasta northwestern California
- Konomihu, northwestern California
- Okwanuchu, northwestern California
- Tataviam, Allilik (Fernandeño), southern California
- Tolowa, northwestern California
- Tongva, Gabrieleño, Fernandeño, San Clemente tribe, coastal southern California
- Tubatulabal, south-central California
- Wappo, north-central California
- Whilkut, northwestern California
- Wintu, northwestern California
- Wiyot, northwestern California
- Yana, northern-central California
- Yokuts, central and southern California
- Chukchansi, Foothill Yokuts, central California
- Northern Valley Yokuts, central California
- Tachi tribe, Southern Valley Yokuts, south-central California
- Yuki, Ukomno'm, northwestern California
- Huchnom, northwestern California
- Yurok, northwestern California
Southwest
This region is also called "Oasisamerica" and includes parts of what is now Arizona, Southern Colorado, New Mexico, Western Texas, Southern Utah, Chihuahua, and Sonora.
- Ak Chin, Arizona
- Akimel O'odham (Pima), Arizona
- Southern Athabaskan
- Chiricahua Apache, New Mexico and Oklahoma
- Jicarilla Apache, New Mexico
- Lipan Apache, Texas
- Mescalero Apache, New Mexico
- Navajo (Navaho, Diné), Arizona and New Mexico
- San Carlos Apache, Arizona
- Tonto Apache, Arizona
- Western Apache (Coyotero Apache), Arizona
- White Mountain Apache, Arizona
- Comecrudo, Texas, northern Mexico
- Cotoname (Carrizo de Camargo)
- Genízaro, Arizona, New Mexico
- Halchidhoma, Arizona and California
- Hualapai, Arizona
- Havasupai, Arizona
- Houma, Louisiana
- Hohokam, formerly Arizona
- Karankawa, Texas
- Kavelchadhom
- La Junta, Texas, Chihuahua
- Mamulique, Texas, northern Mexico
- Manso, Texas, Chihuahua
- Maricopa, Arizona
- Mojave, Arizona, California, and Nevada
- Pima Bajo
- Pueblo peoples, Arizona, New Mexico, Western Texas
- Ancestral Pueblo, formerly Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah
- Hopi-Tewa (Arizona Tewa, Hano), Arizona, joined the Hopi during the Pueblo Revolt
- Hopi, Arizona
- Keres people, New Mexico
- Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico
- Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico
- Kewa Pueblo (formerly Santo Domingo Pueblo), New Mexico
- Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico
- San Felipe Pueblo, New Mexico
- Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico
- Zia Pueblo, New Mexico
- Tewa people, New Mexico
- Nambé Pueblo, New Mexico
- Ohkay Owingeh (formerly San Juan Pueblo), New Mexico
- Pojoaque Pueblo, New Mexico
- San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico
- Tesuque Pueblo, New Mexico
- Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico
- Tiwa people, New Mexico
- Isleta Pueblo, New Mexico
- Picuris Pueblo, New Mexico
- Sandia Pueblo, New Mexico
- Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
- Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (Tigua Pueblo), Texas
- Piro Pueblo, New Mexico
- Towa people
- Jemez Pueblo (Walatowa), New Mexico
- Pecos (Ciquique) Pueblo, New Mexico
- Zuni people (Ashiwi), New Mexico
- Quechan (Yuma), Arizona and California
- Quems
- Solano, Coahuila, Texas
- Tamique
- Toboso
- Tohono O'odham, Arizona and Mexico
- Qahatika, Arizona
- Tompiro
- Ubate
- Walapai, Arizona
- Yaqui (Yoreme), Arizona, Sonora
- Yavapai, Arizona
- Tolkapaya (Western Yavapai), Arizona
- Yavapé (Northwestern Yavapai), Arizona
- Kwevkapaya (Southeastern Yavapai), Arizona
- Wipukpa (Northeastern Yavapai), Arizona
Mexico and Mesoamerica
The regions of Oasisamerica, Aridoamerica, and Mesoamerica cover multiple countries. They overlap in some places.
Aridoamerica
- Acaxee
- Aranama (Hanáma, Hanáme, Chaimamé, Chariname, Xaraname, Taraname), southeast Texas
- Coahuiltecan, Texas, northern Mexico
- Chichimeca
- Caxcan (Caxcane)
- Guachichil
- Guamare
- Pame
- Tecuexe
- Zacatec
- Cochimí, Baja California
- Cocopa, Arizona, northern Mexico
- Garza, Texas, northern Mexico
- Guachimontone
- Guamare
- Guaycura, Baja California
- Guarijío, Huarijío, Chihuahua, Sonora
- Huichol (Wixáritari), Nayarit, Jalisco, Zacatecas, and Durango
- Kiliwa, Baja California
- Mayo, Sonora and Sinaloa
- Monqui, Baja California
- Paipai, Akwa'ala, Kw'al, Baja California
- Opata
- Otomi, central Mexico
- Patiri, southeastern Texas
- Pericúe, Baja California
- Pima Bajo
- Seri
- Tarahumara
- Tepecano
- Tepehuán
- Terocodame, Texas and Mexico
- Codam
- Hieroquodame
- Oodame
- Perocodame
- Teroodame
- Teuchitlan tradition
- Western Mexico shaft tomb tradition
- Yaqui, Sonora and now southern Arizona
- Zacateco
Mesoamerica
- Nahua, Guatemala and Mexico
- Alaguilac, Guatemala
- Cora people
- Huastec
- Huave (Wabi), Juchitán District, Oaxaca
- Lenca
- Maya, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico
- Itzá, Petén Department, Guatemala
- Lacandon
- Mopan, Belize, Guatemala
- Yucatec (Maya proper)
- Achi, Guatemala
- Akatek, Guatemala
- Ch'ol
- Ch'orti', southeastern Guatemala, northwestern Honduras, and northern El Salvador
- Ixil, El Quiché, Guatemala
- Jacaltec (Jakaltek), northwestern Guatemala
- K'iche' (Quiché), El Salvador and Guatemala
- Kaqchikel
- Kekchi
- Mam
- Poqomam
- Tojolabales
- Tzotzil
- Tzeltal
- Tz'utujil
- Mazatec
- Mixtec
- Olmec
- Otomi
- Pipil
- Purépecha, also known as Tarascan
- Tlapanec
- Xinca
- Zapotec
- Toltec (AD 900–1168), Tula, Hildago
Circum-Caribbean
- Further information: Isthmo-Colombian Area
Caribbean
Anthropologist Julian Steward defined the Antilles cultural area, which includes all of the Antilles and Bahamas, except for Trinidad and Tobago.
- Arawak
- Taino, Greater Antilles, northern Lesser Antilles
- Igneri, Lesser Antilles, AD 400–1000
- Nepoya, Trinidad
- Suppoya, Trinidad
- Caquetio, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Venezuela
- Carib, Lesser Antilles
- Ciboney, Greater Antilles, c. 1000–300 BC
- Guanahatabey (Guanajatabey), Cuba, 1000 BC
- Ciguayo, Hispaniola
- Garifuna ("Black Carib"), Originally Dominica and Saint Vincent, currently Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
- Ortoiroid, c. 5500–200 BC
- Coroso culture, Puerto Rico, 1000 BC–AD 200
- Krum Bay culture, Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, 1500–200 BC
- Saladoid culture, 500 BC–AD 545
Central America
The Central American culture area includes part of El Salvador, most of Honduras, all of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and some peoples on or near the Pacific coasts of Colombia and Ecuador.
- Bagaces, Costa Rica
- Bokota, Panama
- Boruca, Costa Rica
- Bribri, Costa Rica
- Cabécar, Costa Rica
- Cacaopera (Matagalpa, Ulua), formerly El Salvador
- Cayada, Ecuador
- Changuena, Panama
- Embera-Wounaan (Chocó, Wounaan), Colombia, Panama
- Choluteca, Honduras
- Coiba, Costa Rica
- Coito, Costa Rica
- Corobici, Costa Rica
- Desaguadero, Costa Rica
- Dorasque, Panama
- Guatuso, Costa Rica
- Guaymí, Panama
- Movere, Panama
- Murire, Panama
- Guetar, Costa Rica
- Kuna (Guna), Panama and Colombia
- Lenca, Honduras and El Salvador
- Mangue, Nicaragua
- Maribichocoa, Honduras and Nicaragua
- Miskito, Hondrus, Nicaragua
- Miskito Sambu
- Tawira Miskito
- Nagrandah, Nicaragua
- Ngöbe Buglé, Bocas del Toro, Panama
- Nicarao, Nicaragua
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Orotiña, Costa Rica
- Paparo, Panama
- Paya, Honduras
- Pech, northeastern Honduras
- Piria, Nicaragua
- Poton, Honduras and El Salvador
- Quepo, Costa Rica
- Rama, Nicaragua
- Sigua, Panama
- Subtiaba, Nicaragua
- Suerre, Costa Rica
- Sumo (Mayagna), Honduras and Nicaragua
- Terraba (Naso, Teribe, Tjër Di), Panama
- Tojar, Panama
- Tolupan (Jicaque), Honduras
- Ulva, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua
- Voto, Costa Rica
- Yasika, Nicaragua
Colombia and Venezuela
The Colombia and Venezuela culture area includes most of Colombia and Venezuela. Southern Colombia is in the Andean culture area, as are some peoples of central and northeastern Colombia, who are surrounded by peoples of the Colombia and Venezuela culture. Eastern Venezuela is in the Guianas culture area, and southeastern Colombia and southwestern Venezuela are in the Amazonia culture area.
- Abibe, northwestern Colombia
- Aburrá, central Colombia
- Achagua (Axagua), eastern Colombia, western Venezuela
- Agual, western Colombia
- Amaní, central Colombia
- Ancerma, western Colombia
- Andaqui (Andaki), Huila Department, Colombia
- Andoque, Andoke, southeastern Colombia
- Antiochia, Colombia
- Arbi, western Colombia
- Arma, western Colombia
- Atunceta, western Colombia
- Auracana, northeastern Colombia
- Buriticá, western Colombia
- Caquetio, western Venezuela
- Calamari, northwestern Colombia
- Calima culture, western Colombia, 200 BC–AD 400
- Caramanta, western Columbia
- Carate, northeastern Colombia
- Carare, northeastern Colombia
- Carex, northwestern Colombia
- Cari, western Colombia
- Carrapa, western Colombia
- Cartama, western Colombia
- Cauca, western Colombia
- Corbago, northeastern Colombia
- Cosina, northeastern Colombia
- Catio, northwestern Colombia
- Cenú, northwestern Colombia
- Cenufaná, northwestern Colombia
- Chanco, western Colombia
- Coanoa, northeastern Colombia
- Cuiba, east Colombia west Venezuela
- Cuica, western Venezuela
- Cumanagoto, eastern Venezuela
- Evéjito, western Colombia
- Fincenú, northwestern Colombia
- Gorrón, western Colombia
- Guahibo (Guajibo), eastern Colombia, southern Venezuela
- Guambía, western Colombia
- Guanes, Colombia, pre-Columbian culture
- Guanebucan, northeastern Colombia
- Guazuzú, northwestern Colombia
- Hiwi, western Colombia, eastern Venezuela
- Jamundí, western Colombia
- Kari'ña, eastern Venezuela
- Kogi, northern Colombia
- Lile, western Colombia
- Lache, central Colombia
- Mariche, central Venezuela
- Maco (Mako, Itoto, Wotuja, or Jojod), northeastern Colombia and western Venezuela
- Mompox, northwestern Colombia
- Motilone, northeastern Colombia and western Venezuela
- Naura, central Colombia
- Nauracota, central Colombia
- Noanamá (Waunana, Huaunana, Woun Meu), northwestern Colombia and Panama
- Nutabé, northwestern Colombia
- Opón, northeastern Colombia
- Pacabueye, northwestern Colombia
- Pancenú, northwestern Colombia
- Patángoro, central Colombia
- Paucura, western Colombia
- Pemed, northwestern Colombia
- Pequi people, western Colombia
- Picara, western Colombia
- Pozo, western Colombia
- Pumé (Yaruro), Venezuela
- Quimbaya, central Colombia, 4th–7th centuries
- Quinchia, western Colombia
- Sutagao, central Colombian
- Tahamí, northwestern Colombia
- Tairona, northern Colombia, pre-Columbian culture, 1st–11th centuries
- Tamalameque, northwestern Colombia
- Mariche, central Venezuela
- Timba, western Colombia
- Timote, western Venezuela
- Tinigua, Caquetá Department, Colombia
- Tolú, northwestern Colombia
- Toro, western Colombia
- Tupe, northeastern Colombia
- Turbaco people, northwestern Colombia
- Urabá, northwestern Colombia
- Urezo, northwestern Colombia
- U'wa, eastern Colombia, western Venezuela
- Waikerí, eastern Venezuela
- Wayuu (Wayu, Wayúu, Guajiro, Wahiro), northeastern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela
- Xiriguana, northeastern Colombia
- Yamicí, northwestern Colombia
- Yapel, northwestern Colombia
- Yarigui, northeastern Colombia
- Yukpa, Yuko, northeastern Colombia
- Zamyrua, northeastern Colombia
- Zendagua, northwestern Colombia
- Zenú, northwestern Colombia, pre-Columbian culture, 200 BC–AD 1600
- Zopia, western Colombia
Guianas
This region includes northern parts Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, parts of the Amazonas, Amapá, Pará, and Roraima States in Brazil.
- Acawai (6N 60W)
- Acokwa (3N 53W)
- Acuria (Akurio, Akuriyo), 5N 55W, Suriname
- Akawaio, Roraima, Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela
- Amariba (2N 60W)
- Amicuana (2N 53W)
- Apalaí (Apalai), Amapá, Brazil
- Apirua (3N 53W)
- Apurui (3N 53W)
- Aracaret (4N 53W)
- Aramagoto (2N 54W)
- Aramisho (2N 54W)
- Arebato (7N 65W)
- Arekena (2N 67W)
- Arhuaco, northeastern Colombia
- Arigua
- Arinagoto (4N 63W)
- Arua (1N 50W)
- Aruacay, Venezuela
- Atorai (2N 59W)
- Atroahy (1S 62W)
- Auaké, Brazil and Guyana
- Baniwa (Baniva) (3N 68W), Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela
- Baraüana (1N 65W)
- Bonari (3S 58W)
- Baré (3N 67W)
- Caberre (4N 71 W)
- Cadupinago
- Cariaya (1S 63 W)
- Carib (Kalinago), Venezuela
- Carinepagoto, Trinidad
- Chaguan, Venezuela
- Chaima, Venezuela
- Cuaga, Venezuela
- Cuacua, Venezuela
- Cumanagoto, Venezuela
- Guayano, Venezuela
- Guinau (4N 65W)
- Hixkaryána, Amazonas, Brazil
- Hodï, Venezuela
- Inao (4N 65W)
- Ingarikó, Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela
- Jaoi (Yao), Guyana, Trinidad and Venezuela
- Kali'na, Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, Venezuela
- Lokono (Arawak, Locono), Guyana, Trinidad, Venezuela
- Macapa (2N 59W)
- Macushi, Brazil and Guyana
- Maipure (4N 67W)
- Maopityan (2N 59W)
- Mapoyo (Mapoye), Venezuela
- Marawan (3N 52W)
- Mariusa, Venezuela
- Marourioux (3N 53W)
- Nepuyo (Nepoye), Guyana, Trinidad and Venezuela
- Orealla, Guyana
- Palengue, Venezuela
- Palikur, Brazil, French Guiana
- Parauana (2N 63W)
- Parauien (3S 60W)
- Pareco, Venezuela
- Paria, Venezuela
- Patamona, Roraima, Brazil
- Pauishana (2N 62W)
- Pemon (Arecuna), Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela
- Piapoco (3N 70W)
- Piaroa, Venezuela
- Pino (3N 54W)
- Piritú, Venezuela
- Purui (2N 52W)
- Saliba (Sáliva), Venezuela
- Sanumá, Venezuela, Brazil
- Shebayo, Trinidad
- Sikiana (Chikena, Xikiyana), Brazil, Suriname
- Tagare, Venezuela
- Tamanaco, Venezuela
- Tarumá (3S 60W)
- Tibitibi, Venezuela
- Tiriyó (Tarëno), Brazil, Suriname
- Tocoyen (3N 53W)
- Tumuza, Venezuela
- Wai-Wai, Amazonas, Brazil and Guyana
- Wapishana, Brazil and Guyana
- Warao (Warrau), Guyana and Venezuela
- Wayana (Oyana), Pará, Brazil
- Ya̧nomamö (Yanomami), Venezuela and Amazonas, Brazil
- Ye'kuana, Venezuela, Brazil
Eastern Brazil
This region includes parts of the Ceará, Goiás, Espírito Santo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, and Santa Catarina states of Brazil.
- Apinajé (Apinaye Caroyo), Rio Araguiaia
- Arara, Pará
- Atikum, Bahia and Pernambuco
- Bororo, Mato Grosso
- Botocudo (Lakiãnõ)
- Carijo Guaraní
- East Brazilian tradition, Precolumbian culture
- Guató (Guato), Mato Grosso
- Kadiwéu (Guaicuru), Mato Grosso do Sul
- Kaingang
- Karajá (Iny, Javaé), Goiás, Mato Grosso, Pará, and Tocantins
- Kaxixó, Minas Gerais
- Kayapo (Cayapo, Mebêngôkre), Mato Grosso and Pará
- Laklãnõ, Santa Catarina
- Mehim (Krahô, Crahao), Rio Tocantins
- Ofayé, Mato Grosso do Sul
- Parakatêjê (Gavião), Pará
- Pataxó, Bahia
- Potiguara (Pitigoares), Ceará
- Tabajara, Ceará
- Tapirapé (Tapirape)
- Terena, Mato Gross and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Tupiniquim, Espírito Santo
- Umutina (Barbados)
- Xakriabá (Chakriaba, Chikriaba, or Shacriaba), Minas Gerais
- Xavánte (Shavante), Mato Grosso
- Xerénte (Sherente), Goiás
- Xucuru, Pernambuco
Andes
- Andean Hunting-Collecting tradition, Argentina, 11,000–4,000 BC
- Awa-Kwaiker, northern Ecuador, southern Colombia
- Aymara, Bolivia, Chile, Peru
- Callawalla (Callahuaya), Bolivia
- Cañari, Ecuador
- Capulí culture, Ecuador, AD 800–1500
- Cerro Narrio (Chaullabamba) (Precolumbian culture)
- Chachapoyas, Amazonas, Peru
- Chachilla (Cayapas)
- Chanka (Chanca), Peru
- Chavín, northern Peru, 900–200 BC
- Chincha people, Peru (Precolumbian culture)
- Chipaya, Oruro Department, Bolivia
- Chuquibamba culture (Precolumbian culture)
- Conchucos
- Diaguita
- Guangaia (Precolumbian culture)
- Ichuña microlithic tradition (Precolumbian culture)
- Inca Empire (Inka), based in Peru
- Jama-Coaque (Precolumbian culture)
- Killke culture, Peru, AD 900–1200
- Kogi
- Kolla (Colla), Argentina, Bolivia, Chile
- La Tolita (Precolumbian culture)
- Las Vegas culture, coastal Ecuador, 8000–4600 BC
- Lauricocha culture, Peru, 8000–2500 BC
- Lima culture, Peru, AD 100–650
- Maina, Ecuador, Peru
- Manteño-Huancavilca (Precolumbian culture)
- Milagro (Precolumbian culture)
- Mollo culture, Bolivia, AD 1000–1500
- Muisca, Colombian highlands (Precolumbian culture)
- Pachacama (Precolumbian culture)
- Paez (Nasa culture), Colombian highlands (Precolumbian culture)
- Panzaleo (Precolumbian culture)
- Pasto
- Pijao, Colombia
- Quechua (Kichua, Kichwa), Bolivia
- Chankas
- Huancas
- Quitu culture, 2000 BC–AD 1550
- Salinar (Precolumbian culture)
- Saraguro
- Tiwanaku culture (Tiahuanaco), AD 400–1000, Bolivia
- Tsáchila (Colorado), Ecuador
- Tuza-Piartal (Precolumbian culture)
- Uru, Bolivia, Peru
- Uru-Murato, Bolivia
- Wari culture, central coast and highlands of Peru, AD 500–1000
- Pocra culture, Ayacucho Province, Peru, AD 500–1000
Pacific lowlands
- Amotape complex, northern coastal Peru, 9000–7100 BC
- Atacameño (Atacama, Likan Antaí), Chile
- Awá, Colombia and Ecuador
- Bara, Colombia
- Cara culture, coastal Ecuador, 500 BC AD–1550
- Bahía, Ecuador, 500 BC–AD 500
- Casma culture, coastal Peru, AD 1000–1400
- Chancay, central coastal Peru, AD 1000–1450
- Chango, coastal Peru, northern Chile
- Chimú, north coastal Peru, AD 1000–1450
- Cupisnique (Precolumbian culture), 1000–200 BC, coastal Peru
- Lambayeque (Sican culture), north coastal Peru, AD 750–1375
- Machalilla culture, coastal Ecuador, 1500–1100 BC
- Manteño civilization, western Ecuador, AD 850–1600
- Moche (Mochica), north coastal Peru, AD 1–750
- Nazca culture (Nasca), south coastal Peru, AD 1–700
- Norte Chico civilization (Precolumbian culture), coastal Peru
- Paiján culture, northern coastal Peru, 8700–5900 BC
- Paracas, south coastal Peru, 600–175 BC
- Recuay culture, Peru (Precolumbian culture)
- Tallán (Precolumbian culture), north coastal Peru
- Valdivia culture, Ecuador, 3500–1800 BC
- Virú culture, Piura Region, Peru, 200 BC–AD 300
- Wari culture (Huari culture), Peru, AD 500–1000
- Yukpa (Yuko), Colombia
- Yurutí, Colombia
Amazon
Northwestern Amazon
This region includes Amazonas in Brazil; the Amazonas and Putumayo Departments in Colombia; Cotopaxi, Los Rios, Morona-Santiago, Napo, and Pastaza Provinces and the Oriente Region in Ecuador; and the Loreto Region in Peru.
- Arabela, Loreto Region, Peru
- Arapaso (Arapaco), Amazonas, Brazil
- Baniwa
- Barbudo, Loreto Region, Peru
- Bora, Loreto Region, Peru
- Candoshi-Shapra (Chapras), Loreto Region, Peru
- Carútana (Arara), Amazonas, Brazil
- Chayahuita (Chaywita) Loreto Region, Peru
- Cocama, Loreto Region, Peru
- Cofán (Cofan), Putumayo Department, Colombia and Ecuador
- Cubeo (Kobeua), Amazonas, Brazil and Colombia
- Dâw, Rio Negro, Brazil
- Flecheiro
- Huaorani (Waorani, Waodani, Waos), Ecuador
- Hupda (Hup), Brazil, Colombia
- Jibito, Loreto Region, Peru
- Jivaroan peoples, Ecuador and Peru
- Achuar, Morona-Santiago Province and Oriente Region, Ecuador and Loreto Region, Peru
- Aguaruna (Aguarana), Ecuador, Peru
- Huambisa, Peru
- Shuar, Morona-Santiago Province and Oriente Region, Ecuador and Loreto Region, Peru
- Kachá (Shimaco, Urarina), Loreto Region, Peru
- Kamsá (Sebondoy), Putumayo Department, Colombia
- Kanamarí, Amazonas, Brazil
- Kichua (Quichua)
- Korubu, Amazonas, Brazil
- Kugapakori-Nahua
- Macaguaje (Majaguaje), Río Caquetá, Colombia
- Machiguenga, Peru
- Marubo
- Matsés (Mayoruna, Maxuruna), Brazil and Peru
- Mayoruna (Maxuruna)
- Miriti, Amazonas Department, Colombia
- Murato, Loreto Region, Peru
- Mura, Amazonas, Brazil
- Pirahã (Mura-pirarrã), Amazonas, Brazil
- Nukak (Nukak-Makú), eastern Colombia
- Ocaina, Loreto Region, Peru
- Omagua (Cambeba, Kambeba, Umana), Amazonas, Brazil
- Orejón (Orejon), Napo Province, Ecuador
- Panoan, western Brazil, Bolivia, Peru
- Sharpas
- Siona (Sioni), Amazonas Department, Colombia
- Siriano, Brazil, Colombia
- Siusi, Amazonas, Brazil
- Tariano (Tariana), Amazonas, Brazil
- Tsohom Djapá
- Tukano (Tucano), Brazil, Colombia
- Barasana (Pareroa, Taiwano), Amazonas, Brazil and Vaupés, Colombia
- Eastern Tukanoan (Tucanoan)
- Makuna (Buhagana, Macuna), Amazonas, Brazil and Vaupés, Colombia
- Waikino (Vaikino), Amazonas, Brazil
- Waimiri-Atroari (Kinja, Uaimiri-Atroari), Amazonas and Roraima, Brazil
- Wanano (Unana, Vanana), Amazonas, Brazil
- Witoto
- Murui Witoto, Loreto Region, Peru
- Yagua (Yahua), Loreta Region, Peru
- Yaminahua (Jaminawa, Yamanawa, Yaminawá), Pando Department, Bolivia
- Yora
- Záparo (Zaparo), Pastaza Province, Ecuador
- Zuruahã (Suruahá, Suruwaha), Amazonas, Brazil
Eastern Amazon
This region includes Amazonas, Maranhão, and parts of Pará States in Brazil.
- Amanayé (Ararandeura), Brazil
- Araweté (Araueté, Bïde), Pará, Brazil
- Awá (Guajá), Brazil
- Ch'unchu, Peru
- Ge
- Guajajára (Guajajara), Maranhão, Brazil
- Guaraní, Paraguay
- Ka'apor, Maranhão, Brazil
- Kuruaya, Pará, Brazil
- Marajoara, Precolumbian culture, Pará, Brazil
- Panará, Mato Grosso and Pará, Brazil
- Parakanã (Paracana)
- Suruí do Pará, Pará, Brazil
- Tembé
- Turiwára
- Wayampi
- Zo'é people, Pará, Brazil
Southern Amazon
This region includes southern Brazil (Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, parts of Pará, and Rondônia) and Eastern Bolivia (Beni Department).
- Aikanã, Rondônia, Brazil
- Akuntsu, Rondônia, Brazil
- Apiacá (Apiaká), Mato Grosso and Pará, Brazil
- Assuriní do Toncantins (Tocantins)
- Aweti (Aueto), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Bakairí (Bakairi)
- Chácobo (Chacobo), northwest Beni Department, Bolivia
- Chiquitano (Chiquito, Tarapecosi), Brazil and Santa Cruz, Bolivia
- Cinta Larga, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Enawene Nawe, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Gavião of Rondônia
- Guarayu (Guarayo), Bolivia
- Ikpeng (Xicao), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Itene, Beni Department, Bolivia
- Irántxe (Iranche)
- Juma (Kagwahiva), Rondônia, Brazil
- Jurúna (Yaruna, Juruna, Yudjá), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Kaiabi (Caiabi, Cajabi, Kajabi, Kayabi), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Kalapálo (Kalapalo), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Kamayurá (Camayura), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Kanoê (Kapixaná), Rondônia, Brazil
- Karipuná (Caripuna)
- Karitiâna (Caritiana), Brazil
- Kayapo, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Kuikuro, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Matipu, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Mehináku (Mehinacu, Mehinako), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Moxo (Mojo), Bolivia
- Nahukuá (Nahuqua), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Nambikuára (Nambicuara, Nambikwara), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Pacahuara (Pacaguara, Pacawara), northwest Beni Department, Bolivia
- Pacajá (Pacaja)
- Panará, Mato Grosso and Pará, Brazil
- Parecís (Paressi)
- Rikbaktsa (Erikbaksa), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Rio Pardo people, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Sateré-Mawé (Maue), Brazil
- Suyá (Kisedje), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Tacana (Takana), Beni and Madre de Dios Rivers, Bolivia
- Tapajó (Tapajo)
- Tenharim
- Trumai, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Tsimané (Chimané, Mosetén, Pano), Beni Department, Bolivia
- Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau, Rondônia, Brazil
- Wari' (Pacanawa, Waricaca'), Rondônia, Brazil
- Wauja (Waurá, Waura), Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Wuy jugu (Mundurucu, Munduruku)
- Yawalapiti (Iaualapiti), Mato Grosso, Brazil
Southwestern Amazon
This region includes the Cuzco, Huánuco Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios, and Ucayali Regions of eastern Peru; parts of Acre, Amazonas and Rondônia, Brazil; and parts of the La Paz and Beni Departments of Bolivia.
- Aguano (Santacrucino, Uguano), Peru
- Amahuaca, Brazil, Peru
- Apurinã (Popũkare), Amazonas and Acre
- Asháninka (Campa, Chuncha), Acre, Brazil and Junín, Pasco, Huánuco, and Ucayali, Peru
- Banawá (Jafí, Kitiya), Amazonas, Brazil
- Cashibo (Carapache), Huánuco Region, Peru
- Conibo (Shipibo-Conibo), Peru and Amazonas, Brazil
- Ese Ejja (Chama), Beni Department, Bolivia
- Harakmbut, Madre de Dios, Peru
- Amarakaeri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
- Kareneri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
- Huachipaeri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
- Arasairi, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
- Manuquiari, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
- Puikiri (Puncuri), Madre de Dios Region, Peru
- Sapiteri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
- Toyeri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
- Amarakaeri, Madre de Dios Region, Peru
- Hi-Merimã, Himarimã, Amazonas, Brazil
- Jamamadi, Acre and Amazonas, Brazil
- Kaxinawá (Cashinahua, Huni Kuin), Peru and Acre, Brazil
- Kulina (Culina), Peru
- Kwaza (Coaiá, Koaiá), Rondônia, Brazil
- Latundê, Rondônia, Brazil
- Machinere, Bolivia and Peru
- Mashco-Piro, Peru
- Matís (Matis), Brazil
- Matsés (Mayoruna, Maxuruna), Brazil, Peru
- Parintintin (Kagwahiva’nga), Brazil
- Shipibo, Loreto Region, Peru
- Sirionó (Chori, Miá), Beni and Santa Cruz Departments, Bolivia
- Ticuna (Tucuna), Brazil, Colombia, Peru
- Toromono (Toromona), La Paz Department, Bolivia
- Yanesha' (Amuesha), Cusco Region, Peru
- Yawanawa (Jaminawá, Marinawá, Xixinawá), Acre, Brazil; Madre de Dios, Peru; and Bolivia
- Yine (Contaquiro, Simiranch, Simirinche), Cuzco Region, Peru
- Yuqui (Bia, Yuki), Cochabamba Department, Bolivia
- Yuracaré (Yura), Beni and Cochabamba Departments, Bolivia
Gran Chaco
- Abipón, Argentina, historic group
- Angaite (Angate), northwestern Paraguay
- Ayoreo (Ayoré, Moro, Morotoco, Pyeta, Yovia, Zamuco), Bolivia and Paraguay
- Chamacoco (Zamuko), Paraguay
- Chané, Argentina and Bolivia
- Chiquitano (Chiquito, Tarapecosi), eastern Bolivia
- Chorote (Choroti, Iyo'wujwa, Iyojwa'ja Chorote, Manjuy), Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay
- Guana (Kaskihá), Paraguay
- Guaraní, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay
- Bolivian Guaraní
- Chiriguano, Bolivia
- Guarayo (East Bolivian Guaraní)
- Chiripá (Tsiripá, Ava), Bolivia
- Pai Tavytera (Pai, Montese, Ava), Bolivia
- Tapieté (Guaraní Ñandéva, Yanaigua), eastern Bolivia
- Yuqui (Bia), Bolivia
- Bolivian Guaraní
- Guaycuru peoples, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay
- Mbayá (Caduveo), historic
- Kadiweu, Brazil
- Mocoví (Mocobí), Argentina
- Pilagá (Pilage Toba)
- Toba (Qom, Frentones), Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay
- Mbayá (Caduveo), historic
- Kaiwá, Argentina and Brazil
- Lengua people (Enxet), Paraguay
- North Lengua (Eenthlit, Enlhet, Maskoy), Paraguay
- South Lengua, Paraguay
- Lulé (Pelé, Tonocoté), Argentina
- Maká (Towolhi), Paraguay
- Nivaclé (Ashlushlay, Chulupí, Chulupe, Guentusé), Argentina and Paraguay
- Sanapaná (Quiativis), Paraguay
- Vilela, Argentina
- Wichí (Mataco), Argentina and Tarija Department, Bolivia
Southern Cone
- Aché, southeastern Paraguay
- Chaná (extinct), formerly Uruguay
- Chandule (Chandri)
- Charrúa, southern Brazil and Uruguay
- Comechingon (Henia-Camiare), Argentina
- Haush (Manek'enk, Mánekenk, Aush), Tierra del Fuego
- Het (Querandí) (extinct), formerly Argentinian Pampas
- Chechehet
- Didiuhet
- Taluhet
- Huarpe (Warpes), Argentina, Chile
- Allentiac (Alyentiyak)
- Millcayac (Milykayak)
- Oico
- Chiquillanes
- Pehuenche (later Araucanized)
- Mapuche (Araucanian), southwestern Argentina and Chile
- Mbeguá (extinct), formerly Paraná River, Argentina
- Minuane (extinct), formerly Uruguay
- Puelche (Guennaken, Pamba) (extinct), Argentinian and Chilean Andes
- Tehuelche, Patagonia
- Künün-a-Güna (Gennakenk, Gennaken)
- Küwach-a-Güna
- Mecharnúekenk
- Aónikenk (Zuidelijke Tehuelche)
- Teushen (Tehues), extinct, formerly Tierra del Fuego
- Selk'nam (Ona), Tierra del Fuego
- Yaro (Jaro)
Fjords and channels of Patagonia
- Alacaluf (Kaweshkar, Halakwulup), Chile
- Chono (Guaiteco), formerly Chiloé Archipelago, Chile
- Yaghan (Yamana), Tierra del Fuego
- Caucahue (poorly known, possibly a partiality of Kaweshkar or Chono)
Languages
The Indigenous languages of the Americas (or Amerindian Languages) are made up of dozens of language families. There are also language isolates, (languages unlike any others) and unclassified languages. According to UNESCO, many of these languages are endangered or extinct.
Genetic classification
Anthropologists believe that Indigenous peoples experienced two genetic episodes. The first is with the earliest peopling of the Americas and the second is with the European colonization of the Americas. The first episode helped determine the number of gene lineage and haplotypes found in today's Indigenous American populations. Haplogroup Q1a3a (Y-DNA) is the DNA most associated with the Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Interesting facts about the classification of the indigenous peoples of the Americas
- The United States has over 1,000 Native American tribes.
- There are 476 million Indigenous people around the world and spread across more than 90 countries. Most live in Asia.
- According to the National Geographic Society’s Enduring Voices Project, it is estimated that one Indigenous language dies every two weeks.
- Indigenous peoples often do not control their lands.
- Eight indigenous North American tribes have at least 100,000 members.
- Many Indigenous people speak more than one language.
See also
In Spanish: Clasificación de los pueblos indígenas de América para niños
- Classification of indigenous languages of the Americas
- Indigenous languages of the Americas
- List of pre-Columbian cultures
- List of traditional territories of the indigenous peoples of North America
- Population history of Indigenous peoples of the Americas
- Smithsonian Handbook of South American Indians