Too often, mainstream narratives speak of Indigenous peoples as though they are relics of the past—frozen in time, referenced only in history books or museum exhibits. Phrases like “in the era in which Indigenous peoples lived” not only erase the continued presence and vitality of Native nations, they also reinforce harmful colonial mindsets that ignore the ongoing impact of colonization and systemic oppression. It’s time to reframe that narrative.
Indigenous Peoples Are Not “Gone”—We Are Still Here
Today, more than 570 federally recognized tribes exist in the United States alone, alongside countless others seeking recognition. Indigenous peoples are not just part of this land’s history—they are very much a part of its present and future. From grassroots movements defending water and land rights to Indigenous scientists, artists, educators, and activists, Native people are leading efforts to restore balance, protect biodiversity, revitalize culture, and demand justice.
When we speak of Indigenous people in the past tense, we contribute to a cycle of erasure that silences their voices, contributions, and rightful place on this land—Turtle Island, as many Indigenous nations know it.
Life on Turtle Island Before Colonization: A Model of Sustainability
Long before the arrival of Europeans and the violent imposition of capitalism, borders, and environmental degradation, the people of Turtle Island lived in sophisticated, self-sustaining societies.
Approximately 1,200 years ago, many of these communities were matriarchal, with women holding central roles in leadership, land stewardship, and community life. The concept of ownership was radically different from the Eurocentric model: the land was not something to be bought or sold—it was something to live with, honor, and protect.
Work Wasn’t for Profit—It Was for Life
Indigenous people did not “make a living” in the capitalist sense. Their lives were rooted in reciprocity and interdependence with the Earth. They worked not to accumulate wealth, but to maintain balance: with the land, with each other, with the seasons. Hunting, fishing, gathering, growing, crafting, and healing were sacred acts—woven into the rhythms of nature, not divorced from them.
A Land Once Abundant and Unpolluted
The land now called Wisconsin, for example, was a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem. Bison roamed across the prairies, alongside elk, moose, and bear. Massive forests of maple, oak, and pine stood tall and unspoiled. The lakes, rivers, and streams were so clean that you could drink from them directly. Fish were abundant, eagles were common, and the concept of “invasive species” did not exist.
The foodways of Indigenous communities were rich and varied, from the “Three Sisters” (corn, beans, and squash) grown in ingenious companion-planting systems, to wild rice harvested by canoe in late summer. Everything was done with respect for the land and its gifts.
What Was Not Here 1200 Years Ago
Let’s be clear about what else was not present:
• Guns, bombs, or prisons.
• Concrete jungles or polluted waterways.
• Homelessness, starvation, or corporate greed.
• Drug abuse fueled by generational trauma and systemic neglect.
• Domestic violence fueled by colonial patriarchy.
Those are symptoms of a broken system imposed on Turtle Island. They are not Indigenous in origin.
Re-Indigenizing the Future
Today, many Native communities are reclaiming their languages, food systems, ceremonies, and governance. They are resisting pipelines, restoring forests, reintroducing bison, and preserving sacred sites. They are revitalizing the interconnected worldview that understands humans as part of nature, not separate from or above it.
And this is not a return to the past—it’s a move toward a better future.
So let us be intentional with our words. Let us honor Indigenous knowledge not as something “lost” but something living. Let us remember that the original caretakers of this land are still here—fighting not only for survival, but for renewal.
Because Indigenous peoples never disappeared. They were made invisible. And they are making themselves visible again—not by reappearing, but by refusing to be erased.
Frequently Asked Questions: Indigenous Life – Then and Now
Q1: Are Indigenous peoples still living in the United States today?
A: Yes. Indigenous peoples are very much alive today. There are over 570 federally recognized tribes in the U.S., along with many more seeking recognition. Native communities are active in all parts of society—culturally, politically, academically, and environmentally. Referring to Indigenous people in the past tense erases their ongoing presence and contributions.
Q2: Why is it harmful to say “in the era when Indigenous peoples lived”?
A: This phrase implies that Indigenous people no longer exist or are only relevant in a historical context. It feeds into cultural erasure and undermines Indigenous sovereignty, identity, and ongoing struggles. A better phrase might be: “before colonization” or “in pre-colonial times,” while always acknowledging that Indigenous peoples are still here.
Q3: What were Indigenous societies like 1,200 years ago?
A: Many Indigenous societies were matriarchal or egalitarian, deeply rooted in reciprocity with the land. They had complex governance systems, sustainable economies, rich spiritual traditions, and strong community networks. The environment was clean, abundant, and cared for holistically—not exploited for profit.
Q4: Did Indigenous people have jobs or make a living?
A: Not in the capitalist sense. Indigenous people worked to live—to support their families and communities through hunting, gathering, farming, fishing, crafting, and storytelling. Their labor was part of a balanced ecosystem, not a race for individual gain or wealth accumulation.
Q5: What happened to the clean environment Indigenous people lived in?
A: Colonization, industrialization, and capitalism brought widespread environmental destruction: deforestation, pollution, invasive species, and resource extraction. Many Indigenous peoples are now at the forefront of environmental protection efforts, defending land, water, and biodiversity.
Q6: How can non-Indigenous people support Indigenous communities today?
A:
• Listen to Indigenous voices and amplify them.
• Support Native-led organizations and land-back movements.
• Educate yourself and others about Indigenous history and current issues.
• Challenge stereotypes and avoid appropriating Native cultures.
• Respect treaty rights, sovereignty, and Indigenous knowledge systems.
Q7: What is Turtle Island?
A: Turtle Island is the name many Indigenous nations use for the landmass now known as North America. The name reflects Indigenous origin stories and a spiritual understanding of the land as sacred and alive.