It is a common practice to group all Native Americans into the same identical culture. This is the same as trying to group all Americans into the same culture. It simply is not accurate. Americans are comprised of many different ethnic groups of differing backgrounds. That is why the term "melting pot" was applied to North America back in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. America is a multi-ethnic society with many cultures, races and religions.

"Whence came all these people? They are a mixture of English, Scotch, Irish, French, Dutch, Germans, and Swedes. What, then, is the American, this new man? He is neither a European nor the descendant of a European; hence that strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country."
John de Crevecoeur, Letters from an American Farmer, 1782.

There are over 1000 Native American tribes, each with their own set of rules and policies, background, culture, language, traditions, beliefs and origins. Some did in fact come together to form a confederacy, but, each clan retains their own traditions, culture, and beliefs. However, they conform to the same rules and regulations. These tribes, collectively known as Iroquois, form The Six Nations. They are the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, Senecas and the Tuscaroras. Together these tribes comprise the oldest living participatory democracy on earth.

Other tribes, such as the Hopi, Navajo and Zuni are a Nation unto themselves, each with their own tribal government, and unique culture.

The Cherokee Nation today is one of America's biggest proponents of ecological protection. The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in North Carolina each have their own Chief. They still retain their traditional ways in many areas of life, ways handed down from the ancestors.

The Great Sioux Nation is comprised of several different tribes spread out in states of the western and Midwestern United States. Each are as unique as their names: Oglala, Lakota, Hunkapapa, Minniconjou, Crow, Shakopee-Mdewakanton and others.

As to the origins of each individual tribe, one would have to go back some 20,000 years or more to locate the lands from which they came. Each tribe has their own Creation Myth which differs in some cases as much as their culture, and it is these myths that the traditional tribes lived by. These myths are loved and revered by the people and I would like very much to include them here, but there are many and there is far too little space to write them down for you. You can view and read some at the related link provided below or purchase the recommended books at the Amazon links below.

Each tribe also has their own language, their own trickster tales, legends of heroes, their own dances and songs, their unique clothing fashion, their beading and decorating patterns, and many other unique traditions that they pass on to their younger generations. Native Americans all have a creativity and love for beauty in them which has been handed down for generation upon generation. Some of the most beautiful clothing in the world has been fashioned by Native American women using beads, quills, shells, other ornamental animal or plant parts, paints, and embroidery.

Although they vary slightly, sometimes drastically, in their culture and living styles, all Native Americans believe in the One Creator, Great Spirit, whom is called by different names by each tribe according to their language. They all deeply respect Nature, Mother Earth and all Creation. They pray daily and often. Their life is filled with prayers of gratitude, joy, requests for guidance and courage. Their religion is their history, their ancestors, their beliefs, their traditions, language, and Nature. The ancestors gave thanks for everything they received, they were not materialistic, but took joy and felt grateful for small things that helped them or brought them happiness or sustenance. The little things in life that we now take for granted were truly gifts to them. The sunrise of another day, a beautiful sunset, rain for their crops, the cry of a newborn babe bringing new life to their tribe, the touch of a loving hand that cared for them when they were sick, the pride of their young and the respect for their elders, and the knowledge that a beloved elder had a good life and is now in the land of the ancestors. They prayed for Great Spirit to lead them in all manner and in all walks of life.

"When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself..."
Tecumseh - Shawnee, 1768 - 1813
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