HISTORY.com contributor Vincent Schilling

Vincent Schilling

Vincent Schilling, Akwesasne Mohawk, is an author, public speaker and journalist who has contributed to such publications as NBC.com, the Smithsonian's American Indian Magazine, and the CBC. He is the editor of NativeViewpoint.com, follow him on Twitter at @VinceSchilling.

Latest from this author

Since the arrival of European settlers, leadership for America’s Indigenous peoples has disproportionately involved fighting to exist.

Workers strike oil in Osage territory. (Credit: David Grann)

When wealthy Native people died during the Osage Reign of Terror, it was often their white spouses and court-appointed guardians who stood to profit most.

October 1813: Death of Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, at the Battle of Thames in the War of 1812.

The conflict was their last, best chance for outside military help to protect their homelands from westward expansion.

Five Native American chiefs, dressed in western clothes, sitting in a semi-circle holding belts made of wampum beads

For Indigenous people, the small, cylindrical beads crafted from purple and white shells served many purposes—just not as money.