Essential Question: How did geography shape the way Native Americans lived, worked, and thrived across North America?
The Eastern Woodlands region stretched from the Atlantic Coast west toward the Mississippi River. This region contained forests, rivers, lakes, and fertile farmland. Native American nations in this region included the Shawnee, Delaware, Miami, and Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Because forests were abundant, many homes were built from wood and bark. Rivers and lakes allowed travel using birch bark canoes. Many groups practiced agriculture by growing corn, beans, and squash.
The Great Plains region stretched across the center of North America. It was made up of wide grasslands with few trees. Native American nations in this region included the Sioux, Cheyenne, Comanche, and Blackfoot.
Bison were one of the most important resources. Plains peoples used bison for food, clothing, shelter, and tools. Because many groups moved with the bison herds, they built portable homes called tipis.
The Southwest region included deserts and dry climates. Native American nations such as the Hopi, Pueblo, and Navajo lived in this area.
Water was limited, so many groups developed irrigation systems to help crops grow. People often built adobe homes made from clay, straw, and sand.
The Pacific Northwest region had forests, rivers, mountains, and ocean resources. Nations such as the Chinook, Tlingit, and Haida lived in this area.
Salmon fishing was extremely important. Large cedar trees were used to build homes, canoes, and tools.
Look at the cultural regions on a map of North America.
View Cultural Regions Map