Each region of the United States has unique characteristics. Some regions share similar climates, natural resources, and native animals; however, other regions are completely unique from the rest. Native American tribes had to adapt to the land around them and learn how to live off that land.

Click on the slides to learn about each region of the United States and the native people who lived there.

Northwest Coast Region Chinook The Chinook tribe lived in the Pacific Northwest region. They were great fishers who lived near the river and ocean between Washington and Oregon. Because of the red cedar trees in this region, they were able to build plank houses and canoes. Plateau Region Yakima, Nez Perce These tribes lived near rivers, lakes, and forests. They lived in different shelters depending on the season. In the winter, they lived in pit houses made of logs, and in summer, they lived in teepees made of animal skin. California Region Pomo, Chumash These tribes were hunters and gatherers. They lived in grass-mat houses. Great Basin Region Shoshone, Paiute, Ute These tribes lived in a desert culture. One of the main food sources for these tribes was rice because it was one of the few crops that grew in that climate. Great Plains Region Sioux, Crow, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Pawnee, Comanche, Chickasaw These tribes lived on prairies covered by grass, but they also had access to different rivers and lakes. These tribes had to adapt to hot summers and cold winters. Southwest Region Navajo, Pueblo, Apache The climate was hot and dry. There were three main groups in this region: farmers, villagers, and hunters. Southeast Region Powhatan, Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Choctaw, Natchez These tribes had access to fertile lands for growing many crops. They were hunters, fishers, and farmers. Eastern Woodlands Region Miami, Shawnee, Iroquois, Massachuset, Abenaki, Pequot, Lenape These tribes had access to many natural resources because of the lush woodlands, rivers, and oceans. They were hunters, gatherers, fishers, farmers, and trappers. Arctic Region Inuit, Aleut, Tlingit These tribes were hunters and fishers. They lived in igloos to survive the frigid climate.