Indigenous peoples -- North America -- Juvenile literature, Indigenous peoples -- North America -- History -- Juvenile literature, Indigenous peoples -- North America -- Social life and customs -- Juvenile literature, Indigenous peoples -- North America 

"As the first inhabitants of North America, American Indians developed sophisticated and diverse cultures throughout the continent that were well adapted to the demands and needs of their respective environments. Unlike virtually every other immigrant group examined in The Peoples of North America series, American Indians did not come to North America in search of economic opportunity and political and religious freedoms unavailable to them elsewhere. Indeed, the arrival of these other groups had a catastrophic effect on the traditional ways of life that defined Native American cultures for thousands of years. Yet, American Indians share one important characteristic with other ethnic groups — like them, they must resolve the tensions between preserving their cultural heritage and assimilating into mainstream society. After nearly 500 years of suffering enormous losses of life, territory, and culture, American Indians today face many social and economic challenges. The struggle to restore the traditions of their various cultures and to improve their material well-being as individuals will remain crucial to American Indians as they strive to ensure a brighter and more rewarding future for their descendants."--Back cover. 

118 pages : illustrations (some color), maps ; 24 cm. 

Includes index.