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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 Asians who crossed the Bering land bridge during the last [[Ice Age]].{{fact}} Those who are only partly descended from those early inhabitants are still considered American Indians if they maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment.

They are believed to have descended from Asians who crossed the Bering land bridge during the last [[Ice Age]]between 12,000 to 20,000 years ago.{{fact}} 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 tribe or band makes its own rulings regarding membership.

Some American Indians prefer to be called [[Native American]]s in order to distinguish themselves from the people of [[India]], and to imply that they were the original inhabitants of North America. However, the oldest American skeleton is the 9300 year old [[Kennewick Man]] that is physically dissimilar to modern American Indians, so the American Indian people may not have been the first people here. Furthermore, the term ''native American'' literally means anyone who was born in American as an American, so it can also be used by any American who wants to distinguish himself from an American immigrant.

Some American Indians prefer to be called [[Native American]]s in order to distinguish themselves from the people of [[India]], and to imply that they were the original inhabitants of North America. The oldest American skeleton is the 9300 year old [[Kennewick Man]] that was said at first to be unlike present day Native Americans. However further research has demonstrated that this is not the case.  

==See Also==

==See Also==

* [[North American Indians]]

* [[North American Indians]]

* [[Native American]]

* [[Native American]]