American Indian Culture Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Indoor, cultural activities
Best For: Scouts interested in history, culture, crafts
Hands-On Level: Moderate
Eagle Required: No

The American Indian Culture merit badge is a great way for you to learn about Native American history and traditions. As you work on this badge, you will explore how American Indian tribes lived, worked, and cared for their communities. You will also learn how Native American people have shaped the history and culture of the United States.

While earning the American Indian Culture merit badge, you will study things like clothing, crafts, games, stories, and everyday life from different tribes. You will see how tribes adapted to the land and used natural resources in creative ways. You might also make projects or learn skills connected to Native American traditions. These activities help you better understand and respect Native American cultures.

The American Indian Culture merit badge also helps you build important skills. You will practice research, creativity, and communication as you learn and share information. Working on this badge can help you become more aware of different cultures and traditions. It also teaches you to respect people from different backgrounds and experiences.

The American Indian Culture merit badge was formerly known as the Indian Lore merit badge. It was updated on January 12, 2026.

Download the American Indian Culture Merit Badge Requirements

American Indian Lore Merit Badge Pamphlet

American Indian Culture Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for American Indian Culture Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the American Indian Culture merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Cultural Areas
• Requirement 2: Nations
• Requirement 3: Contributions
• Requirement 4: Influence
• Requirement 5: Visit
• More Resources

Requirement 1: Cultural Areas

What You Need To Do

Identify the major American Indian cultural areas and describe what made each area different. Include details about climate, homes, food, clothing, transportation, and natural resources.

Helpful Tips

• The Northeast area had forests, rivers, and lakes. Many tribes lived in longhouses or wigwams. Canoes were common for travel.
• The Southeast area had warm weather and rich farmland. Tribes often grew corn, beans, and squash. Some people lived in large villages with wood and clay homes.
• The Plains area had wide grasslands and large buffalo herds. Tipis were common because they were easy to move. Horses became important for travel and hunting.
• The Southwest area had hot and dry deserts. Pueblo homes were built from stone and adobe. Irrigation helped crops grow.
• The Great Basin area had dry land with fewer natural resources. Tribes moved often to find food and water. Many homes were simple brush shelters.
• The Plateau area had rivers, forests, and mountains. Fishing was important, especially salmon fishing. Some tribes used woven mats to build homes.
• The Northwest Coast area had forests and access to the ocean. Large cedar wood houses and totem poles were common. Canoes were used for travel and fishing.
• The Arctic area had very cold weather with ice and snow. Inuit people used animal skins for clothing and built snow houses during winter travel. Hunting seals and whales provided food.

Resources

• Native American Cultural Regions (video)

Leader Tips

• Use maps and pictures to help Scouts match tribes to cultural areas.
• Bring examples of homes, clothing, or tools from different regions.
• Encourage Scouts to compare how geography affected daily life.
• Remind Scouts to use respectful language when discussing American Indian cultures.

Requirement 2: Nations

What You Need To Do

Choose an American Indian tribe, group, or nation to research. Find information about daily life, homes, government, food, clothing, language, beliefs, transportation, games, and modern life today.

Helpful Tips

• The Navajo Nation is known for weaving, sheep herding, and homes called hogans. Navajo people live mainly in the Southwest.
• The Cherokee Nation lived in the Southeast and built permanent villages. Many Cherokee people farmed and used a written language created by Sequoyah.
• The Lakota people lived on the Plains and followed buffalo herds. Horses, tipis, and buffalo hunting were important parts of life.
• The Iroquois Confederacy included several nations in the Northeast. Longhouses and clan systems were important in their communities.
• The Hopi people lived in pueblos in the Southwest. Farming in dry conditions and ceremonies connected to nature were important traditions.
• The Inuit people of the Arctic depended on hunting seals, whales, and fish. Clothing made from animal skins protected them from cold weather.
• The Chinook people of the Northwest Coast used large cedar canoes for travel and trade. Fishing and woodworking were important skills.
• The Seminole people lived in the Southeast wetlands. Chickee shelters raised above the ground helped during floods and hot weather.
• Use books, museum websites, tribal websites, and library resources for information.
• Organize notes into categories like homes, food, clothing, and transportation.

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose tribes from different regions of North America.
• Help Scouts use current and respectful names for tribes and nations.
• Provide books, maps, and trusted online resources for research.
• Remind Scouts to include information about tribal life today, not only the past.

Requirement 3a: American Indian Language Terms

What You Need To Do

Find 10 common words from a language and give the meaning of each word. Practice saying the words and write the meanings clearly. The words listed below are Cherokee.

Helpful Tips

• “Osiyo” means hello.
• “Wado” means thank you.
• “Etsi” means mother.
• “Edoda” means father.
• “Usdi” means little or small.
• “Gvgeyu” means I love you.
• “Ama” means water.
• “Siqua” means pig.
• “Saloli” means squirrel.
• “Unega” means white.
• Practice saying the words out loud several times.
• Write the Cherokee words and meanings on flash cards for review.
• Listen to recordings from Cherokee language programs if possible.
• Keep your spelling neat and easy to read.

Leader Tips

• Provide Scouts with a pronunciation guide if available.
• Encourage Scouts to practice speaking the words together.
• Use trusted Cherokee Nation or museum resources for translations.
• Remind Scouts to treat the language with respect and care.

Requirement 3b: Place Names

What You Need To Do

Find 10 place names in the United States that come from American Indian languages. Give the meaning of each name.

Helpful Tips

• Mississippi comes from an Ojibwe word meaning great river.
• Chicago comes from a Native word connected to wild onions or garlic.
• Milwaukee comes from an Algonquian word meaning good land.
• Dakota comes from a Sioux word meaning friend or ally.
• Tennessee may come from a Cherokee village name.
• Ohio comes from an Iroquois word meaning great river.
• Kentucky may come from an Iroquois word meaning meadow or prairie.
• Massachusetts comes from a Native word meaning near the great hill.
• Oklahoma comes from Choctaw words meaning red people.
• Michigan comes from an Ojibwe word meaning large lake.
• Use maps and state history websites to research place names.
• Keep notes about the tribe or language connected to each name.

Resources

• 75 U.S. Place Names Inspired by Native American Culture (website)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose places from different parts of the country.
• Provide atlases or online maps for research.
• Help Scouts connect place names with nearby tribes and regions.
• Remind Scouts to double-check meanings from trusted sources.

Requirement 3c: American Indian Leaders

What You Need To Do

Name five important American Indian leaders from history or today. Include their tribes or nations and describe why they are well known.

Helpful Tips

• Sitting Bull was a Lakota leader known for defending his people and leading during the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
• Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who guided and helped the Lewis and Clark expedition.
• Sequoyah was a Cherokee leader who created a written system for the Cherokee language.
• Wilma Mankiller was the first woman elected principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
• Jim Thorpe was a Sac and Fox athlete known for Olympic gold medals and professional sports.
• Maria Tallchief was an Osage ballerina who became one of America’s most famous dancers.
• Deb Haaland is a Laguna Pueblo member who became the first Native American cabinet secretary in the United States.
• Crazy Horse was an Oglala Lakota war leader known for protecting Lakota lands and culture.
• Use books, tribal websites, and museums for research.
• Include both historical leaders and people living today if possible.

Resources

• 10 Legendary Chiefs: Courageous Heroes of Native America (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose leaders from different tribes and time periods.
• Help Scouts focus on facts and accomplishments.
• Provide biographies or short articles for younger Scouts.
• Remind Scouts to include the person’s tribe or nation with each name.

Requirement 4a: Influence on European Settlers

What You Need To Do

Describe ways Native Americans helped European settlers survive and adjust to life in North America. Include examples of food, travel, farming, clothing, and survival skills.

Helpful Tips

• Native Americans showed settlers how to grow corn, beans, and squash.
• Tribes taught settlers how to hunt, fish, and trap animals in local areas.
• Canoes helped settlers travel on rivers and lakes.
• Snowshoes helped people move through deep snow during winter.
• Native Americans shared knowledge about local plants and medicines.
• Tribes showed settlers how to survive cold winters and hot summers.
• Fur trading became important because of Native American hunting skills.
• Native Americans guided explorers through forests, rivers, and mountains.
• Settlers used Native American farming methods in many colonies.
• Clothing made from animal skins helped people stay warm and dry.

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to use specific examples from history.
• Provide maps or pictures showing early settlements and tribal areas.
• Help Scouts connect survival needs with Native American skills.
• Remind Scouts to focus on respectful and accurate information.

Requirement 4b: Things Adopted From American Indians

What You Need To Do

Name eight things that other people adopted from American Indians. Include items, foods, tools, sports, or skills still used today.

Helpful Tips

• Corn became an important food crop in North America.
• Potatoes spread from the Americas to many other countries.
• Canoes were used for travel and trade on waterways.
• Snowshoes helped people travel in winter conditions.
• Hammocks were adopted for sleeping and resting.
• Rubber use developed from Native American knowledge of latex.
• Lacrosse began as a Native American game.
• Tobacco was used by many tribes before Europeans arrived.
• Moccasins inspired soft leather footwear styles.
• Totem poles became well known forms of artwork from Northwest Coast tribes.
• Make a list and include the tribe or region connected to each item.
• Look for items still used in everyday life today.

Resources

• Contributions of Native Americans—Indigenous Achievements That Shaped Today (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose examples from different regions.
• Use pictures or real objects when possible.
• Help Scouts connect historical items with modern use.
• Remind Scouts to include accurate tribal information.

Requirement 4c: American Indian Games

What You Need To Do

Choose a game played by an American Indian tribe or group. Practice the game and lead it with a Scout group.

Helpful Tips

• Lacrosse was played by several tribes, especially in the Northeast.
• Double ball was played by some Plains tribes using two balls tied together.
• Shinny was a stick-and-ball game similar to hockey.
• Hoop and pole games tested throwing and aiming skills.
• Pick a game with simple rules for your Scout group.
• Practice the game before teaching it to others.
• Gather equipment ahead of time.
• Explain the rules clearly before starting.
• Keep the game safe and fair for everyone.
• Give every Scout a chance to join and participate.

Resources

• Picaria (board game)
• Hubbub (dice game)
• Pahsahëman (field game)
• Cherokee Traditional Games: Stickball (video)
• Cherokee Traditional Games: The Game of Graces (video)

Leader Tips

• Choose games that fit the size and age of the group.
• Review safety rules before starting active games.
• Help Scouts practice leading instructions clearly.
• Encourage teamwork and good sportsmanship during the activity.

Requirement 5a: Museum Visit

What You Need To Do

Visit a museum in person or online that has American Indian exhibits and collections. Describe two exhibits and identify 10 artifacts by tribe or nation, shape, size, and use.

Helpful Tips

• Look for museums with American Indian history or cultural collections.
• Choose two exhibits with different types of artifacts or regions.
• Write down the names of the tribes or nations connected to the artifacts.
• Include details about the size and shape of each artifact.
• Record how each item was used in daily life, ceremonies, hunting, cooking, or travel.
• Common artifacts include pottery, baskets, tools, beadwork, clothing, and weapons.
• Take notes during your visit so you do not forget details later.
• Sketching artifacts can help you remember shapes and designs.
• Use museum labels and exhibit descriptions for accurate information.
• Virtual museum tours can work if you cannot attend in person.

Resources

• Museums (Choose option Ethnically/Culturally/Tribally Specific) (website)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts find museums with reliable American Indian exhibits.
• Encourage Scouts to take organized notes during the visit.
• Remind Scouts to include tribal names with each artifact.
• Review museum behavior and respectful conduct before the visit.

Requirement 5b: Contemporary Gathering

What You Need To Do

Attend a contemporary American Indian gathering, such as a powwow or cultural festival. Discuss proper etiquette and describe what you observed during the event.

Helpful Tips

• Check the event rules before attending.
• Some dances or ceremonies may not allow photos or videos.
• Stand quietly and respectfully during songs, prayers, or special events.
• Listen to announcements from event organizers.
• Wear comfortable clothing and prepare for outdoor weather if needed.
• Watch the dancing styles, music, clothing, and drum groups.
• Visit booths or displays to see artwork, crafts, and food.
• Ask polite questions if visitors are invited to participate.
• Take notes about activities, customs, and traditions you observed.
• Pay attention to how modern traditions connect with tribal history and culture.

Resources

• Pow Wow Calendar (website)
• Celebration of Powwow | The Living History of Native American Gatherings (video)
• Annual Events and Celebrations on Indian Reservations (website)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts find public gatherings that welcome visitors.
• Review respectful behavior before attending the event.
• Encourage Scouts to observe carefully and take notes afterward.
• Remind Scouts to follow all event rules and announcements.

Living History Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Living History program feature allows Scouts to explore different cultures, times, and places through interactive, hands-on experiences. They participate in reenactments and learn about historical events and diverse ways of life. This approach enhances understanding of history and cultural appreciation.

For example, while working on the American Indian Culture merit badge, Scouts can engage in activities that deepen their knowledge of Native American traditions and history.

More Merit Badge Resources

The American Indian Culture merit badge gives Scouts a simple way to learn about the traditions and history of Native peoples in North America. It fits well within the full merit badge program because it adds a cultural and educational option to a list that includes science, trades, arts, and outdoor skills. Scouts study daily life, stories, and skills. This brings balance to the wide range of choices by offering a badge focused on understanding and respect.

It also connects to badges like American Heritage, American Cultures, and Archaeology. Scouts who enjoy learning about history often find American Indian culture meaningful. It supports the program’s goal of encouraging curiosity in many subjects.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The American Indian Culture merit badge supports the larger goals of Scouts BSA by teaching observation, respect, and clear communication. Learning about different traditions helps Scouts grow as thoughtful leaders.

It also ties into fitness, citizenship, and personal development. Understanding cultural history builds awareness and service. Hands-on activities encourage patience and steady practice, strengthening confidence and good judgment.

What is the American Indian Culture merit badge about?

The American Indian Culture merit badge teaches Scouts about Native American history, culture, and traditions. Scouts learn how Native Americans lived, including their tools, clothing, games, and stories. It helps Scouts appreciate the rich heritage of Native peoples.

What do I need to do to earn the American Indian Culture merit badge?

You will complete activities like studying Native American traditions, learning a game, creating crafts, or researching tribal history. You will also explore how Native Americans adapted to their environment and influenced the United States.

Do I have to visit a museum for the American Indian Culture merit badge?

Visiting a museum is one option. If you choose it, you will observe American Indian exhibits and learn about artifacts. Another option is to attend a contemporary gathering like a powwow.

Can I learn a Native American game for the American Indian Culture merit badge?

Yes. Learning and teaching a traditional game is one of the requirements. Examples include board games like Picaria or field games like Pahsahëman.

How do I learn a Native American language for this badge?

You can choose 10 common words from a Native American language to learn. Practice their meanings and pronunciations. For example, you might learn words for greetings, animals, or places.

What is the point of learning about Native Americans for this badge?

The American Indian Culture merit badge helps Scouts understand and respect Native American cultures. It teaches valuable lessons about history, diversity, and the importance of preserving traditions.

Can I work on the American Indian Culture merit badge with a group?

Yes, you can work on this badge with your troop or patrol. For example, you might play a game together or visit a museum as a group. However you are responsible for completing each requirement.

Do I have to learn about a specific tribe?

Yes, you will research at least one tribe or nation. You will learn about their way of life, including their homes, clothing, food, and traditions.

Why is this badge important?

The American Indian Culture merit badge teaches Scouts about the contributions of Native Americans to our world. It builds appreciation for cultural diversity and helps preserve Native traditions.

The American Indian Culture merit badge is all about learning the rich history and culture of Native American tribes. Scouts study how Native Americans lived, including their homes, clothing, tools, and traditions. It’s a chance to explore how Native Americans adapted to their environment and shaped the world around them. By earning this badge, Scouts gain a better understanding of the contributions Native Americans have made to the United States.

One part of the American Indian Culture merit badge involves hands-on activities. Scouts learn a traditional game and even try speaking a Native American language. These activities bring history to life and help Scouts connect with the skills and creativity of Native peoples. Scouts get to experience Native American culture in a fun, engaging way.

Another important part of the badge is researching a tribe or nation. Scouts learn about daily life, traditions, and beliefs of Native peoples. This research helps Scouts understand the diversity among tribes and how their customs connect to the land they lived on. Visiting a museum or attending a modern gathering like a powwow gives Scouts a chance to see Native American traditions up close.

The American Indian Culture merit badge teaches respect for cultural diversity. It shows Scouts how Native American history and traditions are still relevant today. By working on this badge, Scouts gain valuable knowledge about the first people to call this continent home.