Native American Heritage Sites (National Park Service) facts for kids

Native American heritage sites are special places in the United States. They are found in many National Parks and other protected areas. These sites help us remember and celebrate the amazing contributions of Native American cultures. The term 'Native American' includes all the different groups of people who lived in America before European explorers arrived. This means it includes Native Alaskans, American Indians from the main part of the U.S., and Native Hawaiians.

Many of these sites were created to protect the remains of ancient cultures that no longer exist today. Good examples are Mesa Verde National Park or Russell Cave National Monument. Some sites tell the story of a strong culture that is still active and important in America, like Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Other sites remember Native American cultures that helped develop an area, such as Cape Cod National Seashore. Some were part of bigger events in American history, like Pea Ridge National Military Park. Most sites preserve the historical contributions of Native cultures over a long time. These include Devils Tower National Monument, Pipestone National Monument, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.

National Parks and Their Native American Connections

Many National Park Service sites across the United States have important connections to Native American history and culture. These parks protect ancient villages, sacred lands, and places where important events happened. They help us learn about the diverse groups of people who have lived on this land for thousands of years. The table below lists many of these parks, their location, and the Native American groups linked to them.