Native American Identity Quiz
1. Can you name five tribes?
a. __________________________________
b. __________________________________
c. __________________________________
d. __________________________________
e. __________________________________
2. How many federally-recognized tribes of Native Americans live in the United States in 2016?
a. 189
b. 357
c. 567
d. 782
3. In what kind of dwelling did Native Americans historically live?
a. Hogan
b. Tipi (or teepee)
c. Longhouse
d. Bark lodge
e. All of the above
4. What tribes lived historically in Arkansas? (circle all that apply)
a. Quapaw
b. Kickapoo
c. Caddo
d. Chickasaw
e. Osage
5. Do all Native Americans participate in powwows? (circle one)
a. Yes
b. No
6. What kind of clothing do Native Americans wear?
a. Buckskin and moccasins
b. T-shirt and jeans
c. Parka and fur boots
d. Tailored suit
e. All of the above
7. Do all tribes speak the same Native American language? (circle one)
a. Yes
b. No 1. Most people will immediately think of the Cherokee and Navajo tribes, who are the most populous.
However, there are 39 tribes living in Oklahoma alone, ranging from the Absentee Shawnee to the Yuchi
(Euchee). Each tribe is unique in size, culture, and tradition.
2. As of 2016, there are 567 federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes in the United
States. For a complete list, visit: http://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xraca/documents/text/idc1-033010.pdf.
3. Historically, American Indians and Alaska Natives lived in many types of dwellings, including hogans, tipis,
longhouses, bark lodges, and pueblos. The dwelling differed based on the lifestyles of the tribes and their
geographic location. The Plains tribes favored tipis due to their nomadic hunting lifestyle, while longhouses
were used by tribes of the Pacific Northwest and were made from timber. Some tribes living arrangements
were reflective of their clan or kinship systems and familial relations. While most Natives live in
contemporary homes, many still use traditional dwellings for cultural and spiritual ceremonies.
4. The Caddo, Quapaw, and Osage lived in Arkansas around the eighteenth-century. However, after the
westward expansion of the United States, the federal government imposed a series of treaties, between
1808 and 1835, that forced the Caddo, Quapaw, and Osage to relinquish their Arkansas lands. All three
tribes were removed to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, their present-day location. The Caddo are now
located in Binger; the Quapaw have their headquarters at Quapaw; and the Osage are in Pawhuska. For
more information: http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=408.
5. The idea that all Native Americans participate in powwows is a misconception. Historically, powwows began
as intertribal gatherings among Plains tribes. Today, many Native people do attend powwows all around the
country in urban, reservation, and rural settings. Powwows serve many purposes, including entertainment,
renewal of friendships, dancing, singing, and celebrating identity. Powwows are social gatherings, but many
also include dance competitions where dancers are judged on their regalia, dance styles, and ability to stay
on beat with the drum music. Powwows promote respect and understanding among people of different
tribal backgrounds.
6. Although many Native people have incorporated elements of their cultures into their clothing styles, most
Native people wear regular, contemporary clothing daily. But regalia and ceremonial dress are worn during
important events or ceremonies and express the significant role of culture to Native people living in a
contemporary world. Styles, colors, and designs of regalia or dress signify age, status, region, or spirituality
to people who understand and recognize what they are looking at. Accoutrements such as feathers, jewelry,
or headdresses also have special significance. Some Native people, however, wear elements of traditionalstyle clothing today for practical reasons. For example, to keep warm, Inupiat hunters still wear sealskin
mitts and boots when hunting walrus or caribou. Or, for comfort, some Native people wear moccasins with
blue jeans.
7. Before European contact, there were over 1,000 Native languages spoken in North, Central and South
America. Most Native cultures preserved the history and traditions orally and had no written language. With
attempts by colonizers and missionaries to eradicate Native languages, there are only 139 spoken Native
languages in the United States today. However, many tribes have resources dedicated to preserving and
revitalizing their Native language. Learn more here: http://www.native-languages.org/.