Native Americans, also known as American Indians, Indians, Indigenous Americans and other terms, are the indigenous peoples of the United States.

A vast variety of peoples, societies and cultures subsequently developed. Native Americans were greatly affected by the European colonization of the Americas, which began in 1492, and their population declined precipitously due to introduced diseases, warfare, and slavery.

Young American Indian girls, circa 1900

After the founding of the United States, many Native American peoples were subjected to warfare, removals, and one-sided treaties, and they continued to suffer from discriminatory government policies into the 20th century.

Since the 1960s, the self-determination movement has resulted in many changes to the lives of Native Americans. Today, there are over five million Native Americans in the United States.

An incredible photo collection from Ashley Van Haeften will show you what American Indian girls looked like in around 1900.

Five young Hopi Indian girls standing in a row in the village of Shonguapavi

A group of Hopi children on the Dance Plaza at Walpi (Walpai), Arizona

Apache Indian girl carrying an olla (a water basket) on her head

Chemehuevi Indian girl

Chemehuevi Indian woman and young girl in their native dwelling

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