Native American Culture Essay

The colonial period in North America introduced dramatic changes into the lives of Native Americans. The arrival of European colonizers ultimately introduced changes in aspects such as culture, religion, and identity to many Native Americans. Initially, some of the first interactions with Europeans sought a fair relationship between both groups, as trade was the basis of this relationship. However, as Europeans further expanded into the territory of Native Americans, conflict arose that would be seen for decades in North America.
Culture and religion were critical aspects to indigenous tribes that were intertwined with one another. Their spiritual beliefs and cultural practices and rituals were a fundamental part of their daily lives. Both

Some Indigenous people attempted to maintain their regional power by adapting to colonialism by embodying parts of European cultures and practices into their own, such as converting to Christianity or incorporating parts of Christianity into their traditions. This was a way for Natives to maintain autonomy without completely disregarding their previous ways of living and thinking.
Kateri Tekakwitha was a Native American woman who converted to Christianity and was the first to be recognized as a Saint by colonizers. She was a figure that was used to showcase that some Indians can learn to settle into new communities that are separate from that of the Native population. Rituals were integral to the culture of Native Americans. Some Catholic missionaries followed rituals that resembled some aspects of rituals that have been performed in some tribes. In a way, following the teachings of Christianity in a Catholic mission made it “easier” to adapt christian practices to fit their own beliefs. This was a way to fit these expectations into their own religious and spiritual traditions, without completely sacrificing their cultural identity. Kateri Tekakwitha’s story was used as a success story to encourage the use of Chritian missions and to motivate other Indians to follow the path she

Community was a central place in Native American tribes and their cultures. These communities are based on relationships amongst each other and the environment around that. This can often be shown through mutual support and cooperation which highly differs from viewpoints of Europeans. Europeans have a more individual based approach, meanwhile Native Americans heavily relied on having a connected community. Native American cultures have a diversity of gender roles and identities that differ between regions and tribes. However, these roles were based on cultural beliefs and traditions.
Native American concepts of gender and gender roles differed significantly from that of Europeans. The acceptance of identifying as transgender completely questioned traditional European conceptions of gender roles in society. In some Native American tribes, individuals were able to identify with another gender as long as they were able to serve as a member of their community. Also, how they can utilize the community for their own needs. Specifically, that of female transgenders. Each tribe had their own differing roles, however many of the identifications of gender were based on the role played in the