A Gallery of North American Plains Indians

Questions & Answers

Who were the Plains Indians?

The Plains Indians is a modern term for the Native American nations that lived on the Great Plains of what is now the USA and part of Canada. These nations included the Sioux, Cheyenne, Blackfoot, Pawnee, Crow, Arapaho, Comanche, and many others.

How long did the Plains Indians live in the region before the Europeans arrived?

The Plains Indians lived in the region for at least 13,000 years before Europeans arrived in North America. According to their own beliefs, however, they always lived on the land and there was never a time when they did not.

How many different nations lived on the Great Plains?

There were over 30 nations living on the Great Plains at the beginning of the 19th century.

When were the Plains Indians removed from their lands?

The Plains Indians were removed from their land throughout the latter part of the 19th century and forcibly relocated to reservations.