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'''American Indians''' are the descendants of the inhabitants of [[North America|North]] and [[South America]] before the coming of [[Europe]]ans in 1492. As an ethnic group, they are indigenous to the Americas.  

'''American Indians''' are the descendants of the inhabitants of [[North America|North]] and [[South America]] before the coming of [[Europe]]ans in 1492. As an ethnic group, they are indigenous to the Americas.  

They are believed to have descended from [[Asia|Asians]] who crossed the [[Bering Straight|Bering land bridge]] during the last [[Ice Age]].  According to evolutionary theory, this took place between 12,000 to 20,000 years ago.{{fact}}

They are believed to have descended from [[Asia|Asians]] who crossed the [[Bering Straight|Bering land bridge]] during the last [[Ice Age]].  According to evolutionary theory and radiocarbon dating, this took place as early as 20,000 years ago.<ref>TIME - Who Were The First Americans?, By MICHAEL D. LEMONICK, ANDREA DORFMAN, Sunday, Mar. 05, 2006  [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1169905,00.html]</ref>

Those who are only partly descended from those early inhabitants are still considered American Indians if they maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment. However, each Native tribe or band makes its own rulings regarding membership.

Those who are only partly descended from those early inhabitants are still considered American Indians if they maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment. However, each Native tribe or band makes its own rulings regarding membership.