Abstract
As opposed to most other exhibitions on Native Americans, the one held within the Native Americans National Museum puts the emphasis on the present life of Indian Americans. They are not classified as a memory of the past anymore but as part of the current American society. However, their past is obviously heavily responsible for their present situation and therefore the museum retraces Native Americans history and cultures as well as their migration patterns. From the visit of the museum and the field of study covered in class, this paper will try to show how history impacted the lives of Native Americans and made them who and what they are today. First, this paper will examine their migration patterns throughout the last two centuries.
Secondly, their religious beliefs will be brought into focus with regards to their roots in history. Thirdly, their present conditions of living will be examined in order to assess the amount of change that occurred and the remaining efforts that have to be made.
