Federal Publications: Indigenous Peoples Month

To recognize Indigenous Peoples Month, the South Carolina State Library’s Federal Documents Collection highlights numerous works in its collection that feature the culture, history, and contributions of Native Americans across our nation.

This selection of works includes a book published by the United States Department of Defense that examines the significant roles and contributions of Native Americans in the U.S. military throughout the 20th century. National Park Service brochures and reports feature significant historical sites and locations across the United States. Some works provide research surveys and encyclopedic and biographical information on the numerous prehistoric, historic, and modern Indigenous peoples. 

Visit the South Carolina State Library to view these featured federal publications and explore additional works on view from the collections this month.
 

Federal Documents

Cover of The Indian Tribes of North America.

The Indian Tribes of North America

Presents a detailed survey of the Indigenous peoples of North America, organized by present-day state and region, with historical and ethnographic information on each group. Includes coverage of communities in Canada, the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America. Contains bibliographical references, an index, and folded maps.

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Cover of Figures on the Landscape: Effigy Mounds National Monument Historic Resource Study.

Figures on the Landscape: Effigy Mounds National Monument Historic Resource Study

This is a historic resource study of Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa, which contains more than 200 identified prehistoric mounds constructed between 2,500 and 700 years ago. Natural features, vegetation, land-use patterns, and circulation systems are among the important elements of cultural landscapes. Effigy Mounds National Monument is located in an area with a rich prehistoric and historic history, the interwoven evidence of which is visible on the landscape. To interpret and manage the primary cultural resources for which the monument was established, it is critical to understand the evolution of this landscape.

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Cover of In the Valley of the Ancients: A Book of Native American Legends.

In the Valley of the Ancients: A Book of Native American Legends

A collection of Native American legends from the Southwest, retold by Lou Cuevas and illustrated by Jim Fuge. Stories reflect the spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions, and oral storytelling heritage of Indigenous Peoples in the region.

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Cover of Trail of Tears: Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma.

Trail of Tears: Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma

This National Park Service brochure is an overview of the sites along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, which stretches 5,043 miles across nine states and together form a journey of compassion and understanding. The National Park Service administers the trail in partnership with the Trail of Tears Association, the Cherokee Nation, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and other federal, state, county, and local agencies.

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Cover of Navajo National Monument, Arizona brochure.

Navajo National Monument, Arizona brochure

Named for the people who now live in the region, Navajo National Monument protects Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House, remarkably well-preserved dwellings built hundreds of years ago by Ancestral Puebloans. Across the cliff faces and terraces of the Tsegi Canyon system, modern Navajo life carries on alongside the distant past.

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Cover of Pecos National Historical Park, New Mexico brochure.

Pecos National Historical Park, New Mexico brochure

Geologic forces uplifted 290-million-year-old ocean deposits to form the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Glorieta Mesa. Later, the rush of rivers created Glorieta Pass, a natural gateway through the mountains and the mesas of New Mexico. Glorieta Pass became a cultural crossroads through which hunters and gatherers, traders, conquerors, explorers, immigrants, soldiers, ranchers, and tourists passed.

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Cover of Coyote and the Turtle's Dream.

Coyote and the Turtle's Dream

Based on the popular original Eagle Book series, Coyote and the Turtle’s Dream is the first of three books raising awareness of Native Diabetes Wellness. The book features characters from Eagle Book and also expands the cast to include family members, teachers, store owners, other residents of a small reservation town, and an elderly box turtle.

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Cover of Journeys to Repatriation: 15 years of NAGPRA grants (1994-2008).

Journeys to Repatriation: 15 years of NAGPRA grants (1994-2008)

A report highlighting the first 15 years of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) grants program.

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Cover of Beneath These Waters: Archaeological and Historical Studies of 11,500 Years Along the Savannah River.

Beneath These Waters: Archaeological and Historical Studies of 11,500 Years Along the Savannah River

Beneath These Waters is an interpretation for a general audience of archaeological and historical research conducted in the Richard B. Russell Multiple Resource Area from 1969 through 1985. It describes the prehistory and archaeological evidence of prehistoric inhabitants along the Savannah River, dating back at least 11,500 years.

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Cover of 20th Century Warriors: Native American Participation in the United States Military.

20th Century Warriors: Native American Participation in the United States Military

This book examines the significant roles and contributions of Native Americans in the U.S. military throughout the 20th century. The book highlights their service in various conflicts, showcasing their bravery and the cultural and personal impacts of their military involvement.

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Muskogean Charm Songs Among the Oklahoma Cherokees.

Muskogean Charm Songs Among the Oklahoma Cherokees

This book explores the influence of Muskogean languages on Cherokee charm songs. It details how Cherokee medicine men use charm songs written in the Sequoyah syllabary, often in Muskogean languages like Creek or Natchez, and examines the adaptation of these languages into the Cherokee script and their integration into Cherokee magical practices.

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Cover of Famous Indians: A Collection of Short Biographies.

Famous Indians: A Collection of Short Biographies

A collection of brief biographies highlighting notable Native American leaders, many of whom were chiefs. Profiles recount their roles in significant efforts to protect their lands, cultures, and ways of life.

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Cover of Handbook of North American Indians.

Handbook of North American Indians

The Handbook of North American Indians is a 20-volume series published by the Smithsonian Institution. It is an encyclopedic summary of prehistory, history, cultures, and political and social aspects of the native peoples of North America.

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Upcoming Event

Photo of author Mary Martha Greene in her kitchen.

Mary Martha Greene, The Cheese Biscuit Queen

November 19, 2026, 6:00 PM

Please join us for our next Speaker at the Center talk with The Cheese Biscuit Queen, Mary Martha Greene. Greene, the author The Cheese Biscuit Queen: Kiss my aspic! Southern Recipes, Saucy Stories, and More Rambunctious Behavior and The Cheese Biscuit Queen Tells All: Southern Recipes, Sweet Remembrances, and a Little Rambunctious Behavior will demonstrate preparing a champagne mustard.

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