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VS.2 - V G, N P: D G Irginia Eography Ative Eoples

This document provides an overview of Virginia geography, Native American cultures and history. It discusses the three major Native American language groups in Virginia, how they adapted to the local environment and seasons to meet needs for food, clothing and shelter. It also summarizes archaeological evidence found at Werowocomoco and Jamestown that helps understand interactions between indigenous, English and African groups. Finally, it notes that while Virginia Indian cultures have changed over time, they maintain their cultural heritage and contribute to Virginia as citizens today.

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134 views

VS.2 - V G, N P: D G Irginia Eography Ative Eoples

This document provides an overview of Virginia geography, Native American cultures and history. It discusses the three major Native American language groups in Virginia, how they adapted to the local environment and seasons to meet needs for food, clothing and shelter. It also summarizes archaeological evidence found at Werowocomoco and Jamestown that helps understand interactions between indigenous, English and African groups. Finally, it notes that while Virginia Indian cultures have changed over time, they maintain their cultural heritage and contribute to Virginia as citizens today.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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VIRGINIA STUDIES 2015 CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK (CONDENSED) – STUDY GUIDE

VS.2D - G VIRGINIA GEOGRAPHY, NATIVE PEOPLES


Virginia Indian cultures have changed over time.
STANDARD VS.2D
Climate in Virginia
AMERICAN INDIAN LANGUAGE GROUPS • The climate in Virginia is relatively mild with distinct
American Indians were the first people who lived in seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—resulting
Virginia. in a variety of vegetation.
American Indians lived in all areas of the state. • Forests, which have a variety of trees, cover most of
the land. Virginia’s American Indians are referred to
There were three major American Indian language as Eastern Woodland Indians.
groups in Virginia.
Environmental Connections
Christopher Columbus called the people he found in the lands
he explored “Indians” because he thought he was in the Indies The kinds of food American Indians ate, the clothing they
(near China) wore, and the shelters they had depended upon the
seasons.
Artifacts such as arrowheads, pottery, and other tools that
have been found tell a lot about the people who lived in • Foods changed with the seasons.
Virginia. • In winter, they hunted birds and animals and lived on
foods stored the previous fall.
American Indian identities have always been closely
connected to the land. American Indians did not believe in • In spring, they hunted, fished and picked berries.
land ownership. • In summer, they grew crops (beans, corn, squash).
• In fall, they harvested crops and hunted for foods to
preserve and keep for the winter.
• Animal skins (deerskin) were used for clothing.
• Shelter was made from materials around them.
Native peoples of the past farmed, hunted, and fished.
They made homes using natural resources. They used
animal skins for clothing.
Today, most native peoples live like other Americans. Their
Three major language groups cultures have changed over time.
• Algonquian languages were spoken primarily in the
Tidewater region; the Powhatan were a part of this STANDARD VS.2F
group.
EVIDENCE AT WEROWOCOMOCO &
• Siouan languages were spoken primarily in the
Piedmont region – the Monacan were part of this JAMESTOWN
group.
Archaeology is
• Iroquoian languages were spoken in Southwestern another way that
Virginia and in Southern Virginia near what is today helps people
North Carolina; the Cherokee were a part of this understand the past.
group.
Recent
STANDARD VS.2E archaeological digs
have recovered new
INDIANS ADAPT TO ENVIRONMENT FOR material evidence
about
FOOD, CLOTHING SHELTER Werowocomoco and
Virginia’s American Indians worked with the climate historic Jamestown.
and their environment to meet their basic wants. Archaeologists study all kinds of material evidence left from
Many American Indians lived in towns situated along people of the past.
the rivers, which made for good farming, good fishing, and
easy travel.

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Werowocomoco was a large Indian town located on the York American Indians, who trace their ancestry family history back
River, used by Indian leaders for several hundred years before to before 1607, continue to live in all parts of Virginia today.
the
– Virginia Indians live and work as modern
English settlers came. It was the headquarters of the leader, Americans.
Powhatan, in 1607. – Many practice ancient traditions and crafts while
Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in incorporating new customs over time.
North America. Archaeologists have discovered the site of the – The current state-recognized tribes are located in
original fort. regions throughout Virginia.
The recovered artifacts give archaeologists clues about the The tribes maintain tribal museums and lands on which they
interactions of English, Africans, and Indians in early Virginia. hold public festivals called powwows.
– The powwow is a way of teaching American
STANDARD VS.2G Indians and visitors about their culture, past and
INDIANS IN VIRGINIA TODAY present.
Today, Virginia Indians maintain their strong cultural heritage
American Indian people have lived in Virginia for through drumming, singing, dance, art, jewelry, clothing,
thousands of years. crafts, pottery, and storytelling.
Virginia Indians have contributed to the Virginia Indians contribute to American society as active
Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. citizens who vote, hold office, and work in communities.

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