What is a Native: 3 Native Inhabitants From the World's Island Nations, and Their Origins

The world has changed dramatically over the last three centuries, not just in terms of human cities and technology, but in the ethnic makeup of many nations. Countries that were inhabited by native groups and ancient societies just three hundred years ago are now multicultural regions, boasting a mix of different cultures, a variety of ethnicities and backgrounds, and thousands of languages.

It's quite an amazing sight, particularly when you consider that it's occurred in less than three total generations. The world has gone from an unconnected, isolated system into one a complete shared environment, with each continent connected to the next. With this amount of technology, universal culture, and shared languages to contend with, it's easy to forget the roots of many great countries.

These three native inhabitant groups aren't necessarily the first people to occupy their respective countries, nor the sole owner of any land. They are the first recorded, or at least the first recently recorded, group to settle on each country or continent. With rich histories and enduring culture, a look at these native groups can significantly increase your understanding of today's countries.

1. The Native Americans of California, The Great Plains, and Alaska

Native Americans have a varied, interesting, and occasionally sad history. The majority of Native Americans in North America made their way to the continent from North Asia in the first ice age, using the then sealed barrier in the Bering Strait to cross the continents. They settled, now known amongst Americans as the Inuit population in Canada, and a variety of tribes in the United States.

Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, native populations across the United States were treated aggressively, with some tribes wiped out entirely by colonial settlers. Several steps have been taken in an attempt to repay Native American tribes and ethnic groups for their former treatment, including educational funds, private land areas, and other formerly public assets.

2. The Native Maori Tribes of New Zealand

New Zealand's native population is subject to debate, with a variety of Pacific-based groups taking claim to the 'native' title. The most realistic explanation is that the island nation has been inhabited by Pacific groups for thousands of years, with the Maori tribes taking control of New Zealand just centuries before it came under the control of British colonists and Christian settlers.

While the native Maori population of New Zealand was not treated in the same was as populations throughout the United States, small skirmishes between Maori and European settlers were a fairly common occurrence. Issues with settlement treaties remain a point of debate in New Zealand today, as translation errors and negotiation issues may have affected the nation's founding documents.

3. The Native Aborigines of Australia

Australia's indigenous history is varied and interesting, with over four hundred different aboriginal groups having been identified throughout the country. The vast majority of Australian natives have lived in the country for thousands of years, with their origins tracing back to several regions in the Southeast and South Asia area.

Australia's Aborigine community is spread throughout the country, with Aborigine people found in major cities and arid country regions. While Australia has experienced some level of racist bigotry towards its Aboriginal population, its history is significantly less troubled than the United States.