Chronology of American Indian History

Inuit The native people of the arctic land stretching from central Alaska to

the northern coast of Canada and onto the island of Greenland. The Inuit are

better known by the name Eskimo, a mispronunciation of an Algonquian In-

dian word meaning “eaters of raw meat.” Considering this term insulting, they

generally prefer the term Inuit, which means “people” in their own language.

Iroquois Confederacy (Iroquois League, Six Nations) A confederacy

of five powerful tribes—the Cayuga, Oneida, Seneca, Mohawk, and Onon-

daga—native to what is now New York State. According to oral tradition,

the Iroquois Confederacy was founded in about 1400 by Hiawatha, under

the guidance of the Peacemaker, a Huron prophet. In 1722, a sixth tribe, the

Tuscarora, was invited to join the Iroquois. The Iroquois Confederacy is also

known as the Iroquois League and the Six Nations.

Long Walk The forced relocation of the Navajo (Dineh) tribe in 1864 from

their large southwestern homeland to a desolate area in what is now east-cen-

tral New Mexico, known as Bosque Redondo. Large numbers of Navajo died

en route, and many more starved to death or were killed by disease after their

arrival. After four years of misery, the Navajo were allowed to return to a small

portion of their ancestral lands in 1868.

Meriam Report An 872-page report issued in 1928 by the Meriam Commis-

sion, a team of social scientists commissioned by the secretary of the interior

to study the living conditions of Indians in the United States. Officially titled

The Problem of Indian Administration, the document found that by all mea-

sures—including housing, health, diet, and education—Indians suffered a far

lower standard of living than any other American group. The Meriam Report

placed the blame for Indian poverty on past federal Indian policies, particu-

larly Allotment. Its findings contributed to the reforms outlined in the Indian

Reorganization Act of 1934.

Métis A people in Canada of Indian and European (mostly French) ances-

try. A culturally distinct group, the Métis have historically been discriminated

against by both Canadian Indians and non-Indians.

Native Term used in Canada to refer collectively to Indians, the Inuit, and

the Aleut.

Native American Term for Indians that gained popularity during the 1960s

and 1970s. Although still commonly used, the term “American Indian” is now

generally preferred.

Native American Church An Indian religion, developed in the late 19th

century, that blends traditional Indian beliefs with elements of Christian-

ity. Also known as peyotism, the religion centers around lengthy ceremonies

Chronology of American Indian History