Native American Heritage: How the Native Americans’ Impact Persists Today

Written by: Sayeesh Sivakumar ('29)

Sacagewea, the Trail of Tears, Sitting Bull…we all know these names - it’s a part of our curriculum. These are all significant parts of Native American history, and by extension, American history as well. But since then, what has happened to the Native Americans? How are they present in modern times? Does their culture continue to persist today?

“There are so many stories of American Indians who were inventive, were creative, who didn't surrender, but who did something other than die on a battlefield,” says University of Illinois historian Frederick Hoxie. 

People of Native American heritage have even impacted modern American society today, leaving a lasting memory and legacy on this country. But how have they done that? And who are they? 

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, here are 3 Native American people who have left footprints on the trail of our society.

Jim Thorpe

Born on May 28, 1887, in Oklahoma. Thorpe became famous for his amazing versatility in professional sports. He rose to fame after winning two gold medals in the 1912 Olympics, being the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the 

United States. Thorpe even competed in football, baseball, and basketball professionally, which earned him the legendary reputation he has today, and continues to inspire fans around the world with his abilities.

Darcie Little Badger

Born in 1987 and a member of the Lipan Apache Tribe, Darcie excels in the modern field with her work in both Earth Science and futuristic storytelling. Drawing from her Ph.D in environmental oceanography, she writes best-selling novels, such as her work Elatsoe, which brings Native American perspectives and environmental themes to her writing. Through her works, she shows the world how science and literature can be brought together, challenging perspectives and narratives about topics like technology, identity, and history through her writing. 

Charles Curtis

Born Jan 25, 1860 in what was then Kansas Territory, Charles Curtis was a citizen of the Kaw Nation and rose to become the 31st Vice President under Herbert Hoover. Before that, he also served as a U.S. Representative and Senator, shaping policies in agriculture, industry and federal governance. Curtis’ rise to authority marked a historic moment in American history, as he remains the highest-ranking enrolled Native American to ever serve in the federal government. His career illustrated the impact of Indigenous people in American society, showing how Native American perspectives could be brought to national policy.