Native American History: A Guide to Nations, Leaders, Treaties & Major Events

Native American history is not one story. It is the history of many distinct Nations, languages, governments, homelands and communities across what is now the United States and North America. This Powwow Times hub is designed to help readers move from broad historical questions into more specific stories about Nations, leaders, treaties, major events and living cultures.

Start here: use the sections below to explore the existing Powwow Times history library. We are continuing to review and update older articles as this collection grows.

Native American Leaders & Historical Figures

• Geronimo
• Chief Joseph
• Crazy Horse
• Red Cloud
• Standing Bear
• Explore five Native American leaders

Native Nations & Tribal Histories

• Cherokee Nation history
• Omaha Nation
• Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma
• Blackfoot Nation
• Comanche history
• Native American Nations in Oklahoma

Treaties, Rights & Sovereignty

• Native American treaties
• The Great Law of Peace and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy
• Standing Bear and civil rights
• The Jay Treaty and Indigenous mobility rights

Major Events & Historical Change

• Significant Native American historical events
• History of the Indian Wars
• America before Columbus

Culture, Language & Living Communities

Native Nations are contemporary communities, not only subjects of history. Continue into Powwow Times resources on powwow history and culture, Indigenous language learning, and the broader Native American Heritage Month resource hub.

For Teachers & Organizations

Looking for classroom resources or Indigenous-led programming? Explore our Native American Heritage Month activities for schools or request a Native American Heritage Month presentation.