Native America

Archaeologist Timothy Pauketet and his team work to uncover remains of a celestial calendar at Cahokia.

Art historian Mary Miller uncovers why this magnificent structure is built at an angle to the rest of the city.

Choctaw scholar Ian Thompson reflects on the ancient American tradition of earthen mounds and mound cultures. They are an underrepresented major feature of people who have lived in the Americas for over ten-thousand years.

Harvard Archaeologist and Quechua shaman demonstrate historical and contemporary spiritual importance of Incan Huacas.

Archaeologists investigate Cahokian human sacrifice.

Choctaw scholar Ian Thompson reflects on the bitter chapter of history commonly called the Trail of Tears. From a deeply personal perspective he recounts one of US history’s most notorious injustices against Native peoples who were actually allies of the US.

Seneca faithkeeper Pete Jemison speaks on how the longhouse was constructed and what it means to the Haudenosaunee people. The longhouse in which he is interviewed is a reconstruction based on an 17 or 18th century building that was excavated nearby. It is a home and also a place to house councils and ceremonial events.

A look at traditional Native American crops and agricultural practices and their impact on the world today.

Zuni elder Jim Enote reflects on lessons learned from farming and each person’s responsibility to take care of the earth. While science is important, he argues there is another complimentary way to look at the world.

Marcus Hendricks continues the tradition of making Wampum beads by hand.

Explore the rise of great American nations, from monarchies to democracies. Investigate lost cities in Mexico, a temple in Peru, a potlatch ceremony in the Pacific Northwest and a tapestry of shell beads in upstate New York whose story inspired our own democracy.

The history and mythology of Clan Mothers and continued female leadership.