American Indians - Native Americans The term Indian, in reference to the original inhabitants of the American continent, is said to derive from Christopher Columbus, a 15th century boat-person. Some say he used the term because he was convinced he had arrived in the Indies (Asia), his intended destination.

What is the correct term for Native American?

American Indian, Indian, Native American, or Native are acceptable and often used interchangeably in the United States; however, Native Peoples often have individual preferences on how they would like to be addressed.

What are the largest American Indian tribes?

Tribal groupTotalAmerican Indian/Alaska Native aloneTotal4,119,3012,475,956American Indian tribesCherokee729,533299,862Navajo298,197275,99115 more rows