Indigenous societies refer to the native peoples, cultures, and civilizations that existed in the Americas prior to European colonization. These societies had their own unique languages, customs, and social structures.
Related terms
Cultural assimilation: The process by which indigenous peoples adopt elements of the dominant culture while also retaining some aspects of their own cultural identity.
Treaty rights: Agreements between indigenous peoples and colonial powers that define specific rights and protections for these communities.
Oral tradition: The passing down of knowledge, stories, and customs through spoken language rather than written records.