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Residents of Indiana are fortunate to have a rich legacy from the Native American Indians, the First People to live and work in the state. Sometimes Indian contributions are just a passing reference in history books, but the fact is that Indian people were, and still are, important participants in the culture and history of Indiana.

 

From the Shawnee Indians in the southeast of Indiana, to the Potawatomi in the north, Indiana's Indian nations and tribes have lived throughout the state's beautiful, rivers, lakes and valleys. Miami Indians have long occupied the center of the state, and their close relatives, the Weas, Eel River and Piankashaws lived nearby. Delaware, or the Lenni Lenape, moved into Indiana in the 18th century, and there were other settlements of Indians in Indiana who were removed here before the American Revolution. In the modern period, there are several Indian nations and tribes who make Indiana their home, along with a host of Indian and inter-tribal organizations.

 

Below are demographics of the American Indian/Alaska Native population of Indiana (Source: U.S. Census Bureau; includes persons of mixed race).

 

American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) population of Indiana as of 2006: 42,899

 

Indiana counties with highest AIAN population as of 2000: Marion County (5,759 AIAN persons), Lake County (2,636), and St. Joseph County (2,290).

Principal tribal affiliation of AIAN population in Indiana as of 2000: Miami, Wea, Potawatomi, Shawnee, Delaware, Cherokee, Blackfeet, Sioux, Chippewa, and Navajo (refer to U.S. Census Bureau statistics for other tribes not listed here). The Miami, Wea, Potawatomi, Shawnee, Eel River and Delaware are among tribes that are historically indigenous to Indiana.