Osiyo! And Welcome to Native America

Did you know that there are 574 Native American nations within the United States? And that number only counts the ones officially recognized by the US government. Even though it can be difficult to pinpoint capitals for every native nation, we found four across the US that you won’t want to miss!

The Navajo Nation

Window Rock, Arizona

The Navajo Nation is the largest geographical tribe in the United States, covering over 27,000 square miles of land and crossing into three states: Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Though this nation boasts many natural and historical attractions across its jurisdiction, like Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly, its capital in Window Rock, Arizona is a particularly rich cultural center that you won’t want to miss. Interested in history? Visit the Navajo Nation Veterans’ Memorial Park in Window Rock that honors the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II. And if you can’t get enough, the Navajo Nation Museum offers unique art, history, and cultural exhibits too.

The Cherokee Nation

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Oklahoma is home to 39 Native nations, but the biggest one is the Cherokee Nation. It boasts a population of 450,000 enrolled citizens worldwide—around 140,000 of whom live on their nation’s reservation in northeastern Oklahoma. As the official headquarters for the nation, the city of Tahlequah is ripe with history, culture, and art. Try exploring the Cherokee Cultural Pathway, a paved trail that wraps through downtown Tahlequah and connects the Cherokee National Historical Museum, the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum, and the Cherokee National Prison Museum. You’ll be greeted with a mix of permanent art and rotating exhibits as you stroll along this iconic walkway.

The Blackfeet Nation

Browning, Montana

Right next door to Glacier National Park, the Blackfeet Nation is home to many species of fish and wildlife—thanks in part to its 518 miles of streams and eight large lakes. And the diverse beauty of this nation doesn’t stop there. If you fancy yourself an art collector, visit the Blackfeet Heritage Center & Art Gallery, where you can buy beadwork, pottery, paintings, and literature from over 500 different artists hailing from 16 different tribes across the US.

The Iñupiaq people

Utqiaġvik, Alaska

This village is perhaps the most unique capital on our list and is home to the Iñupiaq people. Utqiagvik is the northernmost town in all of the United States and is only accessible by plane. It’s also incredibly old, with signs of human habitation going as far back as 800 AD. If you’ve always wanted to visit the Arctic, don’t pass up the opportunity to see Utqiagvik. In the summer, take a tour to see polar bears, whales, and other iconic wildlife. And if you’re not fazed by this community’s extreme location, the winter season shouldn’t scare you either. In the dark months, prepare to be dazzled by the northern lights and unique Iñupiaq traditions like dog mushing and whale hunting. As one of the many Inuit groups in the region, this tribe offers an important perspective on Indigenous life in the Arctic.

—Ellie Bradley

Sources

www.aaa.com