If you’re curious about Native American culture, history, and traditions, then learning about the largest Native American tribes in 2020 is a great place to start. With this knowledge, you’ll be enriched and empowered to broaden your horizon and appreciate the diversity of our country’s indigenous people.
Do you know who are the most populous Native American tribes? Would you like to discover their unique customs, languages, and heritage? Then, don’t miss out on this comprehensive guide to the top 10 largest Native American tribes. From the Navajo Nation to the Cherokee Nation, from the Sioux Tribe to the Apache Tribe, you’ll get a glimpse into their fascinating way of life and the challenges they face nowadays.
Whether you’re a history buff, a culture lover, or simply curious about the world around you, diving into the Native American tribes’ world is an enriching experience that will inspire you to learn more. Prepare to be amazed at the resilience, wisdom, and creativity of these incredible communities that have thrived for centuries. So, grab your attention and join us as we uncover the top 10 largest Native American tribes in 2020.
“Largest Native American Tribe 2020” ~ bbaz
Uncovering the Top 10 Largest Native American Tribes in 2020
Native American tribes, also known as Indigenous peoples, have a rich history and culture that extends for thousands of years. Today, there are over 570 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States. These tribes have different traditions, languages, and ways of life. In this article, we will look at the top 10 largest Native American tribes in 2020 based on their population.
1. Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States with over 380,000 enrolled members. The tribe is located mainly in Oklahoma but also has members living in other parts of the country. The Cherokee Nation has its own government, including a chief and tribal council. The tribe has a rich culture and history, which includes the Trail of Tears, when thousands of Cherokee were forced to leave their homeland in the southeastern United States and relocate to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in the 1830s.
2. Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation is the second largest Native American tribe in the United States with over 300,000 enrolled members. The tribe is located in the southwestern part of the country, mainly in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo Nation has its own government, including a president and council. The tribe has a rich culture and history, which includes the Navajo Code Talkers who played a crucial role in World War II by using their language to create a code that could not be broken by the enemy.
3. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is the third largest Native American tribe in the United States with over 200,000 enrolled members. The tribe is located in southeastern Oklahoma but also has members living in other parts of the country. The Choctaw Nation has its own government, including a chief and council. The tribe has a rich culture and history, which includes being one of the first Native American tribes to sign a treaty with the United States government.
4. Sioux Nation
The Sioux Nation is a group of several tribes, including the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota, that have a total enrolled membership of over 170,000. The tribes are located mainly in the Great Plains region of the United States, including South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, and Minnesota. The Sioux Nation has a rich culture and history, which includes the Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand, where Sioux and Cheyenne warriors defeated General George Armstrong Custer and his troops in 1876.
5. Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation
The Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation is a tribe located in north-central Montana with over 13,000 enrolled members. The tribe has its own government, including a chairman and council. The Chippewa Cree Tribe has a rich culture and history, which includes being one of the few tribes that have never ceded or sold their land to the United States government.
6. Iroquois Confederacy
The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, is a group of six tribes that have a total enrolled membership of over 125,000. The tribes are located in the northeastern part of the United States and Canada, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario. The Iroquois Confederacy has a rich culture and history, which includes inventing the game of lacrosse and being known as the Keepers of the Eastern Door due to their strategic location.
7. Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is a tribe located in southeastern North Carolina with over 55,000 enrolled members. The tribe has its own government, including a chairperson and council. The Lumbee Tribe has a rich culture and history, which includes being recognized by the United States government as a Native American tribe in 1956 after a long struggle for recognition.
8. Creek Nation
The Creek Nation, also known as the Muscogee Nation, is a tribe located in Oklahoma with over 80,000 enrolled members. The tribe has its own government, including a chief and council. The Creek Nation has a rich culture and history, which includes being one of the largest tribes in the southeastern United States before being forcibly removed to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in the 1830s.
9. Blackfeet Nation
The Blackfeet Nation is a tribe located in northwestern Montana with over 17,000 enrolled members. The tribe has its own government, including a chairman and council. The Blackfeet Nation has a rich culture and history, which includes being one of the only tribes to successfully defend their homelands against the United States government.
10. Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma is a tribe located in south-central Oklahoma with over 18,000 enrolled members. The tribe has its own government, including a chief and council. The Seminole Nation has a rich culture and history, which includes a long history of resistance against the United States government and being one of the last Native American tribes to be forcibly removed to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in the 1830s.
Comparison Table
| Tribe | Total Enrolled Members | Main Location |
|---|---|---|
| Cherokee Nation | 380,000 | Oklahoma |
| Navajo Nation | 300,000 | Arizona, New Mexico, Utah |
| Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma | 200,000 | Oklahoma |
| Sioux Nation | 170,000 | South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Minnesota |
| Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation | 13,000 | Montana |
| Iroquois Confederacy | 125,000 | New York, Pennsylvania, Ontario |
| Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina | 55,000 | North Carolina |
| Creek Nation | 80,000 | Oklahoma |
| Blackfeet Nation | 17,000 | Montana |
| Seminole Nation of Oklahoma | 18,000 | Oklahoma |
Opinion
The Native American peoples have a rich and complex history that has been shaped by colonization, forced relocation, and systemic oppression. Despite this, these tribes have survived and continue to thrive in their own unique ways. It is important to recognize and celebrate their contributions to American culture and heritage.
It’s crucial that the United States government continues to honor the treaties and rights of Native American tribes, as well as provide support and resources for their communities. Acknowledging and addressing the ongoing systemic issues that affect Native Americans, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare and education, and violations of their sovereignty, is essential for building a more just and equitable society for all.
Thank you for taking the time to read about the top 10 largest Native American tribes in 2020. We hope this article shed some light on the diverse and rich cultures of these tribes and their continued impact on our nation.
By uncovering the histories and current status of these tribes, we can recognize the importance of honoring and respecting their traditions and contributions to our society. We encourage you to continue learning about Native American history and culture, and to be an ally in advocating for their rights and sovereignty.
Remember that while we may differ in backgrounds and experiences, it is essential to embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Thank you for joining us in exploring the fascinating world of Native American tribes, and we hope to see you again for further insights into various cultures around the world.
People also ask about uncovering the Top 10 Largest Native American Tribes in 2020:
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What is the largest Native American tribe?
The Cherokee Nation is currently the largest Native American tribe with a population of over 370,000 members.
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What are the other top 9 largest Native American tribes?
- Navajo Nation – over 300,000 members
- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma – over 200,000 members
- Muscogee (Creek) Nation – over 86,000 members
- Seminole Tribe of Florida – over 20,000 members
- Chickasaw Nation – over 60,000 members
- Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy’s Reservation – over 6,000 members
- Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation – over 16,000 members
- Nootka Tribe – over 2,500 members
- Hopi Tribe – over 19,000 members
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What criteria are used to determine the size of a Native American tribe?
The size of a Native American tribe is determined by the number of enrolled members in the tribe. Enrolled members are individuals who meet the tribe’s membership requirements and have been officially recognized as members by the tribe.
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Are there any other large Native American tribes that did not make the top 10 list?
Yes, there are many other large Native American tribes that did not make the top 10 list. Some of these tribes include the Sioux, Apache, Pueblo, and Iroquois nations.
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How has the population of Native American tribes changed over time?
The population of Native American tribes has fluctuated over time due to various factors such as disease, war, and forced relocation. However, many tribes have been able to maintain and even increase their population through efforts such as tribal enrollment, cultural preservation, and education.