Question: 02

Differences and Similarities between Native Americans Tribal Nations

There are many differences and some similarities in cultures of different Native American

tribes. Here are going to be discussed only 6 tribes from 3 different regions i.e. Southeast

(Cherokee & Creek), Southwest (Apaches & the Navajos), Northwest (Haida & Chinook). There

was difference in subsistence activity e.g. horticulture was of 4 earlier mentioned tribes and

fishing of the later. Cherokee & Creek lived in plam-leaf chickee built on platforms, Apaches &

the Navajos in dome shaped whereas Haida & Chinook used wood house with cedar totem poles

and long houses. Cherokee & Creek spoke an Iroquoian and Muscogean languages. Language of

the Apaches and the Navajos were Athabaskan (Apachean) and the Navajo (English also). Haida

and Chinook have their own languages. There dresses were also different from each other,

depending on the use of material in clothing. Animal hides, plants clothing and leather legging

included. They have different spiritual beliefs i.e worship of sun, kachinas and guardian spirits.

There were many other differences in customs like Pow Wow, sand painting and totem poles.

The many Native American groups had many different customs, lifestyles, and beliefs,

but the one thing that they did have most in common is the ability to live in harmony with nature.

Most Native American groups learned from nature and used natural means to live. Sustaining

what nature could offer them was an important factor in everything that they did. They were

good hunters. They lived in the ground houses. They have some common ways of mobility on

plains.