According to the Minnesota Historical Society, archaeologists believe the first humans entered what is now Minnesota between 9,000 - 12,000 years ago, likely following herds of game animals. Approximately 1,000 years ago, people living in this area were using the waterways for transportation, food and to develop an extensive trade relationship with other native peoples—trade items from this and other regions have been found along the entire Mississippi River. By the 1600s there were two main groups of people living in present-day Minnesota, the Dakota and the Ojibwe (also known as Chippewa, Ojibway, or Ojibwa). By the end of the 1600s Europeans had arrived in the region and began a long and complex relationship with American Indians. The name “Minnesota” is a Siouan word meaning “cloudy water.”
Following the links below for more information:
Current Tribes/Locations
Minnesota Tribal Tourism
Minnesota Indian Affairs
Explore Minnesota (Official State Tourism Site)
Native Languages
Minnesota Native Americans
Minnesota Historical Society Seven Council Fires Exhibit
Do you have additional sites to include? Please email [email protected]