Indigenous Land Research 🌎

Who lived here before colonization?

According to Native Land Digital, which Indigenous nation or nations are connected to this land before European colonization? Name them and describe anything you notice about how the map labels their territory.

Make sure the “Territories” toggle is turned on; you may have to turn others off to see clearly.

When was this land ceded?

In what year was this land first ceded in a treaty or agreement with a European nation or the U.S. government?

Make sure the “Treaties” toggle is turned on; you may have to turn others off to see clearly. If there is no data here, write “unknown” or “before 1776.”

What patterns do you notice?

What do you notice about the relationship between Indigenous land loss and the growth of the United States? How does this history affect the way you think about “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” where you live today?