The native people of North and South America were given the name "Indians" by the explorer Christopher Columbus*. He thought he had reached a place called the Indies. In time, the terms American Indian and Indian became widely used. About 2,000,000 native Americans live in the United States today. Some Indians live on government lands called reservations*, or on tribal* lands. Others live in cities.
Traditional culture remains strong in areas where large numbers of Indians live. But many native Americans worry that their cultural traditions will be lost as young people leave these areas for economic reasons.
The economic situation of American Indians as a group is not good. About 50% of those who live on reservations have no jobs. Those who do have jobs earn less than other Americans. Most Indians hold low-paying unskilled jobs. Indians have many health problems and do not live as long as other Americans. But the situation is improving as more Indians are becoming educated. Today, most native Americans graduate from high
school. At least 9% of all Indians 25 years old or older have finished college.
The economic situation also has improved as native American tribes* create businesses on their lands. One example is the Pequot tribe of the northeast. The tribe owns and operates a hotel, gambling casino*, and a museum of its culture and history. Today, American Indians are trying to control their land without interference from the government. This includes control over hunting and fishing rights, and mining* operations. They are trying to protect their land from pollution. And they are taking legal action to regain lost lands or to receive payment for them. American Indians are trying to change their economic situation, improve their lives and honor* their culture.