Culture, Customs and Crafts of native american indian tribes of the United States and Canada

Indians work hard to maintain ancient customs. Many of the potters, for instance, carry on the traditions of their ancestors, choosing to excavate the clay, make the pots, and fire them using age-old practices rather than modern methods. This adherence to tradition preserves the Indian way, which, as a culture, remains simple, religious, and often regimented according to the seasons, feast days, or the politics of tribal councils.

Yet, today's society has had its effect on Indian culture and probably will continue to do so. While once Indian people tried to keep their children out of the regimented schooling forced on them by the Anglo culture, today integrated education is encouraged, although difficult to achieve. For most Indian communities, the economy has been unstable for many years because of droughts, lack of good farmland, unfortunate social conditions, and truly lamentable governance from Washington, D.C. No longer can most tribal groups be self-sustaining.

Still, certain customs in indigenous communities have not changed: Legends, dances, and songs are handed down orally to each generation, and love of the land and of the ancestors is orally taught. The strength of centuries of tradition cements the Indian concept of life, ensuring that the Indian way will continue in some measure, in some places, within the United States and Canada.