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Who were the first people to live in Virginia?
American Indians
What were the three major American Indian language groups in Virginia?
Algonquian, Siouan, and Iroquoian
What type of climate does Virginia have?
The climate is relatively mild with four distinct seasons.
What evidence is there that proves American Indians lived in all areas of Virginia?
American Indian artifacts have been found in all areas of the state.
What are three examples of American Indian artifacts that have been found in Virginia?
arrowheads, pottery, and other tools
Why were the native peoples in America called "Indians"?
Christopher Columbus thought he was in the Indies.
Where were the Algonquian language spoken, and what tribe was part of this group?
Tidewater region and Powhatan tribe
What affected the food, clothing, and shelters of the American Indians in Virginia long ago?
the seasons
Why is archaeology important?
Archaeology helps us understand the past.
Why are Virginia's Indians called the Eastern Woodland Indians?
Virginia's Indians are called the Eastern Woodland Indians because they lived mainly in forests or woodlands.
How do most native people in Virginia live today?
Today, most native people live like other Virginians. Their cultures have changed with time.
Siouan languages were spoken primarily by native peoples, including the Monacan tribe, in what region of Virginia?
the Piedmont region
How did Virginia's American Indians get their food in the winter?
They hunted birds and other animals. They also lived on stored foods from the previous fall.
Name the large Indian town used by Indian leaders for several hundred years before the English settlers arrived. Where was it?
Werowocomoco. It was located on the York River.
In the past, native peoples made their homes from natural resources. What did they use to make their clothing?
animal skins, such as deerskin
Archaeologists have discovered the site of the original fort in Jamestown. What do the artifacts they've recovered teach us?
The artifacts give us clues about the interactions of the English, Africans, and Indians in early Virginia. They teach us how people lived long ago.
The Cherokee tribe lived in Southwestern Virginia and Southern Virginia(near present-day North Carolina) What language did the Cherokee speak?
Iroquoian
In what season did Virginia's American Indians hunt, fish, and pick berries?
spring
In 1607, Werowocomoco was the headquarters of what Indian leader?
Powhatan
What was Jamestown?
Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America.
How long have American Indians lived in Virginia?
thousands of years
Why did many American Indians live in towns along rivers?
Living near rivers made for good farming and fishing and easy travel.
When did Virginia's American Indians grow and harvest their crops (including beans, corn, squash)?
They grew crops in the summer and harvested the crops in the fall.
In what region do most of Virginia's state-recognized tribes live today?
the Coastal Plain (Tidewater) region
What current state-recognized is located in the Piedmont region?
the Monacan tribe
How many American Indian tribes in Virginia are recognized by the state government?
eleven
What are powwows and why are they important?
Powwows are public festivals held by Virginia's tribes. They teach American Indians and others about American Indian culture.
How do today's American Indians contribute to American society?
They vote, hold office, and work in their communities.
Name an activity that today's Virginia Indians do to maintain their heritage.
drumming, singing, dance, art, storytelling, and making jewelry, clothing, crafts, and pottery
Who did American Indians of the past think owned the land?
No one. They did not believe in land ownership.