Celebrate Indigenous People and learn about their history

Our world is a beautiful, diverse mix of people and cultures with distinctly different ways of life. Indigenous Peoples nurturing deep roots in their homelands have fought throughout history for their sovereignty and right to tend to their native lands. In the U.S., Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed on the second Monday of October.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is about celebrating the unique cultural stories of Indigenous Peoples worldwide and bringing light to their struggles to maintain their cultural identities.

Take the quiz below to test your knowledge of Indigenous Peoples of North and South America. Mention the quiz, or take the same quiz in-person at any EVPL location, and receive a small prize.

Indigenous Peoples' Day Matching Quiz

The history of Indigenous Peoples is as rich and diverse as the individuals who make up their communities. Researchers believe that following the migration of animals at the end of the last Ice Age, nomadic humans spread out over the vast land that was now available to them in North America. In South America, migration may have come from the western islands of Polynesia. These early nomads initially may have shared many commonalities, such as survival tactics, knowledge of the land and animals, spiritual beliefs and practices that ensured the continuation of future generations. These ideas spread across time to span the continents. However, every group of Indigenous Peoples - from the Arctic Circle to the tip of South America- had unique skillsets, beliefs, and practices that distinguish their collective from others, all of which contribute to the cultural identity of the people.

1 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

The Huichol, Mazatec, Nahuatl, Zapotec people historically have lived in this densely populated area, yet groups still developed distinct languages and cultures, and may have mingled and traded extensively in the Americas before European colonization.

This group, known as First Nations, is made up of over 630 First Peoples and includes the Athapaskan-speaking peoples; Slavey, Tłı̨chǫ, Tutchone-speaking peoples; and Tlingit. Though grouped together as one unit, these people spread across the continent and represent the full spectrum of Indigenous practices, from coast to coast.

This group, made up of the Haida, Tsimshian, Salish, Kwakiutl, Nuu-chah-nulth, Nisga'a and Gitxsan, were adept at water navigation, salmon fishing, weaving, and are well-recognized for their distinct art carved from great cedar trees.

2 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

These people known as the Inca were adept fishers and herders, played instruments such as flutes, farmed cotton, and created vastly long winding roads linking its mountainous empire.

Occupying a vast area of land, these nomadic groups include Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Crow, Oglala Sioux, Pawnee, Shoshone peoples. They were known for their bison hunting skills, portable houses, ceremonial dances, and beadwork. Since they spoke different languages, a sign language system was developed to communicate with fellow travelers in the area.

Made up of many small groups, this large collection of linguistically connected people is collectively known as “Tupi.” They grew many crops and spoke a common language, mostly lived near the coast and spread out, mingling with other native groups in the region.

3 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

These aboriginal peoples are grouped by their distinct cultural and language similarities. Including the Inuit, Inupiat, and Yupik, among others, they specialize in fishing and whaling, hunting and gathering in harsh landscapes, and working with furs.

Made up of many small groups, this large collection of linguistically connected people is collectively known as “Tupi.” They grew many crops and spoke a common language, mostly lived near the coast and spread out, mingling with other native groups in the region.

This group, known as First Nations, is made up of over 630 First Peoples and includes the Athapaskan-speaking peoples; Slavey, Tłı̨chǫ, Tutchone-speaking peoples; and Tlingit. Though grouped together as one unit, these people spread across the continent and represent the full spectrum of Indigenous practices, from coast to coast.

4 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

These peoples built some of the first megacities in the ancient world- the Aztec, Maya, Olmec and Mixtec. They tracked the movements of the stars, painted on rocks, harvested maize and other crops, and were hunter-gatherers as well.

These people known as the Inca were adept fishers and herders, played instruments such as flutes, farmed cotton, and created vastly long winding roads linking its mountainous empire.

These peoples herded llamas in an arid desert region, made pottery, and created terraced agriculture. They are known as the Atacameño.

5 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

Occupying a vast area of land, these nomadic groups include Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Crow, Oglala Sioux, Pawnee, Shoshone peoples. They were known for their bison hunting skills, portable houses, ceremonial dances, and beadwork. Since they spoke different languages, a sign language system was developed to communicate with fellow travelers in the area.

Peoples in this desert region built houses into the existing landscape, navigated huge rivers, and created a megacity where many groups of people would have pilgrimages. This group is made of (Chaco) Hopi, Din’e, Zuni peoples.

Made up of the The Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca and Onondaga nations, these peoples formed the first example of a democracy in the Americas, 600 years before the drafting of the Constitution. They built permanent houses, farmed crops, hunted, fished, and created intricate bead art.

6 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

Made up of the The Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca and Onondaga nations, these peoples formed the first example of a democracy in the Americas, 600 years before the drafting of the Constitution. They built permanent houses, farmed crops, hunted, fished, and created intricate bead art.

These peoples herded llamas in an arid desert region, made pottery, and created terraced agriculture. They are known as the Atacameño.

Occupying a vast area of land, these nomadic groups include Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Crow, Oglala Sioux, Pawnee, Shoshone peoples. They were known for their bison hunting skills, portable houses, ceremonial dances, and beadwork. Since they spoke different languages, a sign language system was developed to communicate with fellow travelers in the area.

7 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

These people known as the Inca were adept fishers and herders, played instruments such as flutes, farmed cotton, and created vastly long winding roads linking its mountainous empire.

Made up of the The Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca and Onondaga nations, these peoples formed the first example of a democracy in the Americas, 600 years before the drafting of the Constitution. They built permanent houses, farmed crops, hunted, fished, and created intricate bead art.

Occupying a vast area of land, these nomadic groups include Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Crow, Oglala Sioux, Pawnee, Shoshone peoples. They were known for their bison hunting skills, portable houses, ceremonial dances, and beadwork. Since they spoke different languages, a sign language system was developed to communicate with fellow travelers in the area.

8 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

This group, known as First Nations, is made up of over 630 First Peoples and includes the Athapaskan-speaking peoples; Slavey, Tłı̨chǫ, Tutchone-speaking peoples; and Tlingit. Though grouped together as one unit, these people spread across the continent and represent the full spectrum of Indigenous practices, from coast to coast.

The Huichol, Mazatec, Nahuatl, Zapotec people historically have lived in this densely populated area, yet groups still developed distinct languages and cultures, and may have mingled and traded extensively in the Americas before European colonization.

These aboriginal peoples are grouped by their distinct cultural and language similarities. Including the Inuit, Inupiat, and Yupik, among others, they specialize in fishing and whaling, hunting and gathering in harsh landscapes, and working with furs.

9 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

This group, made up of the Haida, Tsimshian, Salish, Kwakiutl, Nuu-chah-nulth, Nisga'a and Gitxsan, were adept at water navigation, salmon fishing, weaving, and are well-recognized for their distinct art carved from great cedar trees.

These peoples inhabiting a vast river basin include the Arawakan, Barbacoan, Tucanoan, Tupian, Urarina, and Yanomami peoples are often hut-building forest-dwellers, hunters, and warriors, while some groups remain uncontacted to this day.

These peoples built some of the first megacities in the ancient world- the Aztec, Maya, Olmec and Mixtec. They tracked the movements of the stars, painted on rocks, harvested maize and other crops, and were hunter-gatherers as well.

10 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

These aboriginal peoples are grouped by their distinct cultural and language similarities. Including the Inuit, Inupiat, and Yupik, among others, they specialize in fishing and whaling, hunting and gathering in harsh landscapes, and working with furs.

These peoples built some of the first megacities in the ancient world- the Aztec, Maya, Olmec and Mixtec. They tracked the movements of the stars, painted on rocks, harvested maize and other crops, and were hunter-gatherers as well.

These peoples herded llamas in an arid desert region, made pottery, and created terraced agriculture. They are known as the Atacameño.

11 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

These peoples inhabiting a vast river basin include the Arawakan, Barbacoan, Tucanoan, Tupian, Urarina, and Yanomami peoples are often hut-building forest-dwellers, hunters, and warriors, while some groups remain uncontacted to this day.

This group, made up of the Haida, Tsimshian, Salish, Kwakiutl, Nuu-chah-nulth, Nisga'a and Gitxsan, were adept at water navigation, salmon fishing, weaving, and are well-recognized for their distinct art carved from great cedar trees.

Made up of the The Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca and Onondaga nations, these peoples formed the first example of a democracy in the Americas, 600 years before the drafting of the Constitution. They built permanent houses, farmed crops, hunted, fished, and created intricate bead art.

12 / 12

Match this group to their general geographical homelands.

These peoples inhabiting a vast river basin include the Arawakan, Barbacoan, Tucanoan, Tupian, Urarina, and Yanomami peoples are often hut-building forest-dwellers, hunters, and warriors, while some groups remain uncontacted to this day.

Made up of many small groups, this large collection of linguistically connected people is collectively known as “Tupi.” They grew many crops and spoke a common language, mostly lived near the coast and spread out, mingling with other native groups in the region.

These aboriginal peoples are grouped by their distinct cultural and language similarities. Including the Inuit, Inupiat, and Yupik, among others, they specialize in fishing and whaling, hunting and gathering in harsh landscapes, and working with furs.

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Indigenous Peoples’ Day Programs at EVPL

Trivia Scavenger Hunt
Pick up a trivia card to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Explore our collection to find the answers then stop by the circulation desk to collect a prize!

Oct. 1 – 31 • All day
EVPL West

Indigenous Talking Sticks
Learn about the history of Talking Sticks in Indigenous cultures, and make a replica.

Monday, Oct. 14 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
EVPL East

Indigenous/Native American Heritage Scavenger Hunt
Find famous Indigenous figures hidden around our YA section, learn more about them, and enter for a chance to win a prize!

Oct. 21 – 31 • All day
EVPL Oaklyn

More resources

• United Nations: Indigenous Peoples
• United Nations: The World In Faces
• Native Land

EVPL Staff

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