The American Constitution’s concept of a nonhierarchical society was inspired by Native American cultures.

The idea of a union of different states was adopted from the Native Nations League of the Iroquois.

Indigenous principles are also reflected strongly in modern environmental and spiritual philosophies.

On the 250th anniversary of American independence, it’s important to remember and respect the cultures that flourished on the American continent long before European colonists arrived, and that were tragically decimated and disrupted by the colonists.

Nobody knows for sure how many indigenous people inhabited the American continent before Columbus’ arrival in 1492. Estimates range from 45 million to 100 million, and the real figure probably lies midway between. But after European contact, the figure declined rapidly, mainly due to the spread of disease and the loss of food sources (both of which were sometimes intentional, such as when colonists killed buffalo and burned crops, or gave the Indians infected blankets and food). By 1860, there were only 340,000 Indians left in North America. The 1920 U.S. Census Bureau counted 244,437 Native Americans. Fortunately, the figure has increased since then, and now around 9.7 million Americans identify as solely or partly Native American.

One aspect of American history that often isn’t emphasized is the extent to which European colonists were influenced by the ideals and customs of indigenous Americans. The American Constitution’s essential concept of a non-hierarchical society in which everybody had equal rights was largely inspired—both indirectly and directly—by Native American societies.

The Influence of Native Americans on Early American Ideals

The indirect influence was through the........

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