TERRITORIES
– Generally, this category refers to specific geographic areas historically used or occupied by Indigenous tribes, which may or may not align with contemporary governmental boundaries. These have occurred through a multitude of factors, including war, colonization, treaties, government policies, and general conflict. These territories are central to a people’s identity, culture, and practices.
Territories are much more than just pieces of land. They are at the core of what makes each Indigenous community unique, including their culture, history, and way of life. These areas are home to their languages, important traditions, and stories that have been shared for generations. They are also important for nature, as these territories help care for many plants and animals.
Territories are not definitive in their presentation by the designations created under the views of Federal (United States or Canada), individual States (U.S.), or Provincial (Canadian) governments. It is important to remember that these definitions and delineations of territories were generated by concepts foreign to the ways of life that guided Indigenous people throughout their understanding of the land that is Mother Earth.
Recognizing the value of territories means seeing how important they are not just in the past but also in the challenges Indigenous peoples face today in protecting their land, keeping their cultures alive, and looking after the environment. These territories show the special connection between Indigenous peoples and their land, based on mutual respect and care.
The current Territories listings of the US were compiled using data from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal directory, National Congress of American Indian (NCAI) tribal directory, and individual Tribal/Nation websites. Tribal Territories of Canada were compiled using the Government of Canada, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada list of First Nation Profiles. These resources do not necessarily reflect the views of the people who are the original inhabitants of these lands regarding the status and connection of the people to the outside government-defined resources. They are utilized to give readers a launching point to understand the diversity and expansiveness of Indigenous territories.
