The Most Successful Native American Tribe, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the tribe you think is the most successful!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:57
Throughout history, Native American tribes have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. From thriving in diverse ecosystems to preserving rich traditions and languages, their successes are manifold. Ranking these tribes based on their achievements provides a unique lens through which we can appreciate their enduring legacies and cultural significance.
Engaging with this ranking offers an opportunity to learn about the myriad ways these tribes have succeeded and influenced both their own communities and broader societies. Your votes help highlight distinct attributes and success stories, bringing deserved recognition to each tribe's contributions and inspiring us all through their historical and present-day achievements.
What Is the Most Successful Native American Tribe?
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148votesThe Cherokee Nation is one of the largest and most successful tribes in the United States. They have their own government, language, and cultural practices, and have been able to preserve their identity despite centuries of oppression and displacement.
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231votesThe Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States, with over 300,000 enrolled members. They have a strong economy, with industries ranging from agriculture to tourism to energy production.The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States. It is a sovereign Native nation with its own government, laws, and territory located primarily within the boundaries of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their art, jewelry, weaving, and traditional language.
- Population: Approximately 300,000 enrolled tribal members
- Territory: Approximately 27,000 square miles
- Government: Tripartite system consisting of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches
- Language: Navajo (Diné Bizaad)
- Culture: Rich traditions in art, weaving, jewelry making, and storytelling
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316votesThe Oneida Nation is a federally recognized tribe in New York State with a successful gaming industry that generates millions of dollars in revenue each year. They also have a strong cultural heritage and are actively involved in environmental and social justice issues.The Oneida Nation is a federally recognized Native American tribe located in upstate New York. They are part of the Iroquois Confederacy, which is composed of six nations. The Oneida people have a rich history and cultural heritage that spans centuries.
- Location: Upstate New York
- Tribe Type: Federally recognized Native American tribe
- Affiliation: Part of the Iroquois Confederacy
- Government: Sovereign tribal nation with its own governance structure
- Population: Approximately 17,000 enrolled tribal members
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410votes
JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD · CC BY-SA 3.0The Osage Nation is a federally recognized tribe in Oklahoma with a rich history and a thriving economy. They have significant oil and gas reserves on their land, which has allowed them to invest in education, healthcare, and other important services for their members.The Osage Nation is one of the most successful Native American tribes in history. They are a sovereign Native American government that originated in what is now known as the United States. The tribe has a rich culture and a significant role in the history of the American West.- Territory: The Osage Nation traditionally inhabited a vast area in present-day Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas.
- Economy: Historically, the Osage Nation thrived through agriculture, hunting, and trading. The tribe had access to rich resources, including oil and natural gas, which played a vital role in their economic prosperity.
- Government: The tribe has a unique political system with a three-branch government, consisting of an executive, legislative, and judicial branch.
- Language: The Osage Nation has its own language called Osage, which is part of the Dhegihan branch of the Siouan family.
- Cultural Heritage: The Osage Nation has a strong cultural heritage that includes traditional dances, songs, storytelling, and craftsmanship, such as beadwork, quillwork, and basketry.
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517votesThe Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized tribe with a successful gaming industry and a strong cultural heritage. They have also been involved in various legal battles over land rights and tribal sovereignty.
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612votes
Pueblo of Zuni
Zuni ancestorsThe Pueblo of Zuni is a federally recognized tribe in New Mexico with a rich history and a strong commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. They have a unique system of governance and are known for their traditional arts and crafts.The Pueblo of Zuni is a Native American tribe located in western New Mexico in the United States. They have a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. The Zuni people are known for their distinct language, art, and agricultural practices.- Location: Western New Mexico
- Language: Zuni
- Art: Distinct Zuni pottery and jewelry
- Agriculture: Expertise in dryland farming
- Kachina: Important part of Zuni religious and cultural practices
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712votesThe Chickasaw Nation is a federally recognized tribe in Oklahoma with a successful gaming industry and a strong commitment to education and healthcare for their members. They also have a rich cultural heritage and are actively involved in preserving their language and traditions.The Chickasaw Nation is a Native American tribe that historically inhabited parts of present-day Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Their ancestral homeland, Chickasaw Nation, is located in the southeastern United States. The tribe is known for their rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions to various fields.
- Language: Chickasaw language
- Government: Sovereign nation with its own government
- Territory: Historically covered parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky
- Culture: Strong focus on arts, traditional dances, storytelling, and craftsmanship
- History: Has a long history dating back thousands of years
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89votesThe Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are a federally recognized tribe in Idaho with a strong cultural heritage and a thriving casino industry. They are also involved in environmental and natural resource management issues, and have been successful in protecting their land and water rights.The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes is a Native American tribe that consists of the Shoshone and Bannock peoples. They are indigenous to the Great Basin region of the United States, primarily in the states of Idaho and Nevada.
- Population: About 6,000 enrolled members
- Language: Shoshoni, Bannock, and English
- Traditional Territory: Great Basin region of Idaho and Nevada
- Reservation: Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Idaho
- Sovereignty: Recognized as a sovereign tribe by the federal government
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93votesThe Blackfeet Nation is a federally recognized tribe in Montana with a rich cultural heritage and a strong commitment to preserving their land and natural resources. They have a significant tourism industry and are actively involved in environmental and conservation issues.The Blackfeet Nation is a Native American tribe located in the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada. They are known for their rich culture, history, and strong connection to the land. The tribe is composed of the Blackfeet people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.
- Location: The Blackfeet Nation primarily resides in the state of Montana in the United States, while also extending into the southern regions of Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada.
- Population: The tribe has an estimated population of around 16,000 members, making it one of the largest tribes in the United States.
- Language: The Blackfeet people traditionally spoke Blackfoot, an Algonquian language. Today, both English and Blackfoot are spoken within the community.
- Traditional Lifeways: The Blackfeet have traditionally relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance. Buffalo played a crucial role in their culture and served as a primary source of food, clothing, and materials.
- Cultural Significance: The tribe has a rich cultural heritage, which includes traditions, ceremonies, and practices passed down through generations. Their spirituality and connection to the land are central to their identity.
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106votes
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
Hiawatha and DeganawidaThe Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy, is a historic alliance of six Native American nations in the northeastern United States. They have a rich cultural heritage and a unique system of governance that has inspired other indigenous movements around the world.The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy or the Six Nations, is a powerful and successful Native American alliance that originated in the northeastern region of North America.- Formed: Around the late 15th century or early 16th century
- Territory: Covered parts of present-day New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, Canada
- Member Tribes: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and later the Tuscarora
- Political Structure: Matrilineal and governed by a Grand Council
- Great Law of Peace: A constitution-like document that established principles of governance, equality, and individual rights
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Ranking factors for successful tribe
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Population sizeTribes with larger populations may have greater resources and economic opportunities.
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Economic successEconomic success can be measured in terms of job opportunities, business growth, and access to resources.
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Cultural preservationTribes that have been able to preserve their cultural traditions and practices may be considered more successful in maintaining their identity and way of life.
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Political powerTribes that have been successful in securing political power, whether through treaty negotiations or other means, may have greater influence and resources.
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Health and wellnessTribes that have implemented programs to improve the health and well-being of their members may be considered more successful in achieving a high quality of life.
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EducationTribes that are investing in education and ensuring their members have access to quality schools and resources may be considered more successful in ensuring a bright future for their community.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most successful Native American tribe. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or tribe is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1554 views
- 165 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each tribe once every 24 hours. The rank of each tribe is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most successful native american tribe
Native American tribes were the first inhabitants of North America, with their history dating back thousands of years. Despite facing many challenges, including displacement, disease, and cultural suppression, many tribes have persevered and thrived over time.
When it comes to determining the most successful Native American tribe, it's important to note that success can be measured in various ways. Some may consider a tribe's ability to maintain their cultural traditions and language, while others may focus on their economic prosperity or political power.
One tribe that often comes to mind when discussing success is the Cherokee Nation. With a population of over 300,000, the Cherokee Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States. They have their own government, language, and culture and have made significant strides in economic development, with businesses in industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and gaming.
Other successful tribes include the Navajo Nation, which is the largest tribe in terms of land area and has a strong economy based on natural resources such as coal and oil. The Seminole Tribe of Florida is another notable success story, with a thriving gaming industry and a strong focus on cultural preservation.
Overall, there are many successful Native American tribes that have overcome significant obstacles and continue to thrive in the modern world.
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