This encyclopedia is an attempt to illuminate
in a comprehensive yet readable way some of the complex cultures of the native
peoples of North America.
In school, the author learned that America was a pristine “wilderness” waiting
for the so-called right people to come along and build a “civilization.” Of
course, the truth is that millions of people were already living here. In fact,
they had been here for thousands - perhaps tens of thousands - of years before
Eriksson, Cabot, and Coronado.
Contents
Introduction
Volume One
Chapter One The Southwest
Chapter Two California
Chapter Three The Northwest Coast
Chapter Four The Great Basin
Chapter Five The Plateau
Volume Two
Chapter Six The Great Plains
Chapter Seven The Southeast
Chapter Eight The Northeast Woodlands
Chapter Nine The Subarctic
Chapter Ten The Arctic
Glossary
Bibliography
Appendix One: Canada Reserves and Bands (1991)
Appendix Two: Alaska Native Villages, by
Language
Appendix Three: ANCSA Village Corporations
Illustration Credits
About the Author
Index
