Indian country

noun

1. (especially during the U.S. westward migration) any region where one was likely to encounter Indians, especially hostile Indians.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Indian country¹

An Americanism dating back to 1690–1700

Example Sentences

“George Washington invested in Western land, sent armies into Indian country” to help clear it of Indigenous people for settlement and profit, “owned a plantation that enslaved hundreds of people … it would be a miscarriage of history to leave that out,” says director David P. Schmidt.

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“Everybody’s family is totally torn apart by this, and not just within the colonial communities, but in Indian country. The formerly united Six Nations are torn apart by this war.”

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As the top spokesperson for tribal gaming, his role was as much speaking up for Indian country as it was rallying tribes.

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Ernie Stevens Sr. was also revered in Indian country, with leadership roles in places like Oneida, Navajo Nation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington.

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“It’s a big win for Indian Country,” he said.

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