8 Places to Appreciate Indigenous Culture in the United States
Photo by Paul Harris / Getty Images
There are approximately 5.2 million “American Indians and Alaska Natives” in the United States, making up 2% of the population. To truly understand American history, we must look to the First Nations that occupied the land long before European settlers arrived. Their Indigenous culture and traditions strengthen the fabric of the United States, and as time passes the country has slowly recognized and reconciled past errors. The last few years have been full of long-awaited victories, like the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians finally changing their names, or TikTok emerging as a platform for Native creators to share their stories.
Today, we celebrate Indigenous culture. It is all around us. To further learn from and appreciate the Indigenous people of America, visit any of these places.
1. Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation is the largest Native reservation in the United States, spanning 16 million acres throughout Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. There are countless sites that have risen in popularity due to their picturesque nature, including Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon. When you visit these sites, you will have a Navajo guide as they are the only ones granted commercial access to sacred land.
The annual Navajo Nation Fair is held in Window Rock, Arizona—Navajo Nation’s capital. Taking place every September, this weeklong celebration features horticultural exhibits, art displays and markets, a parade, and a cultural showcase.
Other attractions include ancient Anasazi ruins and perfectly preserved dinosaur tracks from the Jurassic Era. The Navajo are renowned for their hospitality, operating three lodging properties in the heart of Navajo Nation—the NavajoLand Hotel in Tuba City, Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital, and Quality Inn Lake Powell. All three are staffed almost exclusively with Navajo people and ready to accommodate you as you “explore Navajo.”
2. Miccosukee Village
The Miccosukee people were originally part of Creek Nation but migrated to Florida before it became part of the United States. Most were pushed west as a result of wars, but 100 or so refused to surrender and took shelter in the Everglades. Today, over 600 members of the Miccosukee Tribe are direct descendants of those who stayed behind, and have established a prominent presence just 25 miles west of Miami, Florida.
There are three exciting opportunities for visitors to Miccosukee Village. First, guests can learn how to touch and mount a Florida alligator. Those who are bold enough will find that a live alligator wrestling selfie is hard to top—but equally hard to take. Second, guests can take an airboat ride through the Everglades with Miccosukee fishermen, hunters and froggers as guides. A highlight of the trip is a visit to a small island, where you can see an old-fashioned Miccosukee camp.
Finally, the Miccosukee Museum features a village with “chickees,” traditional open-sided houses of the Miccosukee people, as well as patchwork sewing and cooking demonstrations. There are several annual festivals, the most highly anticipated of which is the Miccosukee Indian Arts & Crafts Festival, featuring storytelling, fire performances, and handmade arts and crafts. All proceeds go to the Miccosukee Educational Fund to provide educational programs for Miccosukee youth.
3. Grand Canyon West Rim
The Grand Canyon West Rim is home to the Hualapai Tribe. As such, National Park passes are not accepted here. There are over 1,300 tribal members living on the premises and well-known attractions like the Skywalk and zipline are part of their entrepreneurial ventures. This means any fees or money spent while there directly benefits the Hualapai people.
Your journey starts with a visit to Hualapai Point, formerly known as Hualapai Ranch. There, you’ll find a trading post with tribe ambassadors crafting artistic creations from Sunday to Tuesday. From Friday to Sunday, there are daily performances by Hualapai singers and dancers. For traditional cuisine, try the Gwe Ma’Jo Restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch—the frybread is a must. You can purchase handmade souvenirs at Native Hands, on site.
Popular lookout areas include Eagle Point and Guano Point, with panoramic views of the Canyon. Colorado River rafting is also available through Hualapai River Runners. They offer one or two day tours with certified Hualapai guides. On the tour, you’ll learn about the geology of the region, local flora and fauna, and history of the Hualapai people and their Indigenous culture. Guests can stay at the Hualapai Lodge, the starting point for river rafting along Route 66, the Cabins at Grand Canyon West near Hualapai Point, or RV parking near the main terminal. RV reservations must be made by phone. All activities close by 4:30 pm.
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