The First True Settlers of the Americas
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It is estimated that about 3,000 years ago, a group of nomadic peoples crossed a land bridge from Russia to upper Canada. Eventually, the people migrated further south and east, inhabiting what is now Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Upon the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century, many people assumed he and his crew had reached Asia, therefore assigning the name 'Indians' to this indigenous group. However, as more Europeans came to the continent, they soon realized that they had, in fact, discovered a new world - North America. Despite this realization, the native people's name was not officially changed until many decades later when they were termed 'Native Americans'.
Today there is an estimated number of 4.5 million Native Americans living in the United States and Alaska. This makes up about 1.5% of the population.
Upon the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century, many people assumed he and his crew had reached Asia, therefore assigning the name 'Indians' to this indigenous group. However, as more Europeans came to the continent, they soon realized that they had, in fact, discovered a new world - North America. Despite this realization, the native people's name was not officially changed until many decades later when they were termed 'Native Americans'.
Today there is an estimated number of 4.5 million Native Americans living in the United States and Alaska. This makes up about 1.5% of the population.