A member of the Coharie Tribe (Coharie Tribe, 2014d)

 

 

North Carolina’s Native Americans have lived on this land for at least the past 14,000 years (Commission of Indian Affairs, 2013). Theirs is a rich history, which originated with over 30 tribes that lived here before the settlers came (Commission of Indian Affairs, 2013). Now, there are only 8 tribes numbering 122,000 people total (Commission of Indian Affairs, 2014). The influences they had on history are great, and though many are gone, Native American tribes still subsist today. What are the influences that Native Americans have on the North Carolina that we know of today? Also what is the status of the tribes that once lived in North Carolina? Their presence adds to the life, places, and culture of North Carolina in unique ways. Their issues that they deal with affect our lives, and also represent struggles that are found throughout society, different cultures, and the greater world and United States.