Watch Native American History

Native American History is a documentary television series produced by HISTORY Vault that explores the rich, complex, and diverse history of Native Americans in North America. The show traces the origins and development of Native American cultures across different regions of the continent over thousands of years, and how these cultures were impacted by European colonization and expansion.

The show features numerous interviews with leading scholars, archaeologists, historians, and indigenous activists who offer their perspectives on the history, culture, and contemporary issues of native peoples. The main focus of the series is to provide a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of Native American history that goes beyond stereotypes and misconceptions.

The series is divided into several parts, each of which covers a specific period in Native American history. The first part examines the arrival of the first humans in North America and the emergence of different cultures and societies that developed complex agricultural, economic, and political systems. It explores the diversity of Native American cultures and traditions, from the Anasazi in the Southwest, to the Iroquois in the Northeast, to the Plains Indians in the Great Plains.

The second part of the series focuses on the impact of European colonization on Native American societies. It examines how the arrival of Europeans led to the displacement, marginalization, and assimilation of Native American peoples, as well as the devastating impact of diseases and warfare. The series also explores the diverse responses of Native American peoples to colonization, including resistance, adaptation, and cultural hybridization.

The third part of the series addresses the legacy of colonization and the ongoing struggles of Native American peoples to assert their rights and preserve their culture and identity in the face of continued discrimination, poverty, and environmental degradation. It examines the impact of federal policies such as relocation, termination, and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, as well as the activism and resistance of indigenous movements such as the American Indian Movement and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to key landmarks, sites, and artifacts that have shaped Native American history, from the Cahokia Mounds in Illinois to the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings in Colorado, to the Great Serpent Mound in Ohio. The series also features stunning imagery and archival footage that captures the beauty and diversity of Native American cultures and landscapes, from the arid deserts of the Southwest to the dense forests of the Northeast.

Overall, Native American History is an illuminating and engaging series that offers a comprehensive and nuanced look at the rich and complex history of Native American peoples in North America. Through its detailed exploration of key periods, events, and issues, the series provides a greater appreciation of the contributions that Native Americans have made to the cultural and political heritage of the United States. Whether you are a student of history or simply curious about the origins and legacy of Native American cultures, this series is a must-watch.

Native American History is a series that ran for 1 seasons (16 episodes) between January 1, 1996 and on HISTORY Vault