Native Americans

Cultural  

1. The descendants of the original inhabitants of North America and South America before the arrival of white settlers from Europe, also called Indians or American Indians. The term Native American is sometimes preferred over Indian because the latter is a misnomer that originated with Columbus, who mistook the inhabitants of America for the people of India. Both terms, however, are accepted.

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In recent years, Native American activism has taken the form of calls for the protection of their tribal or ancestral shrines and artifacts.

Example Sentences

Over the years, as some historians soured on Columbus’s treatment of Native Americans and the impact of colonization that followed his discovery, the city began removing his many tributes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Charles and Camilla were later paying their respects to fallen US troops at Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington, before meeting with Native Americans at a national park.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

He had fanciful notions about Native Americans until he got to know some as people.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Native Americans were initially excluded as well, but Congress later extended birthright citizenship to them under federal law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Native Americans were not granted the right to vote until the Indian Citizenship Act was passed in 1924.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling