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Native Americans

Adhering to tradition is a way of life among the Zuni Indians of northwestern New Mexico, whether it's dryland farming or wedding ceremonies. "The Zuni's complex social web seems to hold people," says Dennis Tedlock. "Their religion and language provide...ethnic identity."

The Zuni Way

Though they embrace computers and TV, the secret of the tribe’s unity lies in fealty to their past

Zuni or not, every woman is obliged to pitch in for the Sha'lako corn-grinding ceremony. During the religious festival, says Morell (far right), "people are expected to set aside all feelings of ill-will and hostility."

Mystery and Drama

Virginia Morell, author of “The Zuni Way,” on the mystical ceremonies of the Zuni pueblo

When completed, the Crazy Horse Memorial will dwarf neighboring Mount Rushmore.

Mt. Rushmore

With a Native American superintendent, the South Dakota monument is becoming much more than a shrine to four presidents.

Cathlapotle Plankhouse

Board Rooms

Near Portland, Oregon, archaeologists and Indians have built an authentic Chinookan plankhouse like those Lewis and Clark saw

The great Lakota chief Red Cloud at 51, in an 1872 portrait by Alexander Gardner

Chief Lobbyist

He made little headway with President Grant, but Red Cloud won over the 19th century’s greatest photographers

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Healing Arts

At Ojo Caliente, site of New Mexico’s ancient hot springs, an artisan revives the craft of Native American pottery

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Token of Appreciation

A grateful Pomo Indian’s gift to a friend exemplifies the brightest form of Native American artistry

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Tribal Talk

Immersion schools try to revive and preserve Native American languages

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Whose Rock Is It Anyway?

An Indian tribe wins the first round in a long fight with rock climbers

Working rapidly in the West, Catlin focused on faces (as in a 1832 portrait of Pawnee warrior La-dà³o-ke-a) and filled in details later.

George Catlin’s Obsession

An exhibition at the Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C. asks: Did his work exploit or advance the American Indian?

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Little Brother of War

Lacrosse sticks were tools of the trade in a rugged Indian game now growing popular around the world

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The Long Walk to Bosque Redondo

Officials called it a reservation, but to the conquered and exiled Navajos it was a wretched prison camp

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