4 Lesser-Known Facts About Native Americans

American Indians serve in their country's military at a higher rate per capita than any other ethnic group, having distinguished themselves in every major conflict for over two centuries.

Unfortunately, many people tend to confine Native American culture to a specific historical period, as depicted in textbooks. However, American Indian history is dynamic and continues to evolve.

The contributions of Native Americans are significant in various aspects of modern society, including government, music, and beyond.

Here are four facts you may not be aware of!

1. Oral Contraception
   Did you know that Native Americans were pioneers in using herbal methods for oral contraception? Historical records indicate that they were practicing birth control as early as the 1700s. The Hopi tribe utilized the Indian paintbrush plant to prevent pregnancy, while the Navajo nation created a birth control tea from the Western stoneseed plant, long before modern contraceptive methods were developed.

2. Celestial Navigation
   Many Indigenous peoples rely on celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars for navigation at sea, in agriculture, and throughout their daily lives. The Skidi Pawnee tribe of Nebraska is known for its advanced astronomical knowledge, charting the night sky to track time. An artifact from this tribe is the Skidi Star Chart—a buffalo skin map of the stars and cosmos, which they have used since the 1500s.

3. Military Service
   As noted by Kevin Gover (Pawnee), American Indians enlist in the armed forces at higher rates per capita than any other ethnic group, serving with honor in every significant conflict for over 200 years. During World War I, more than 10,000 Native Americans were required to register and were drafted into military service, even though they were not recognized as U.S. citizens.

4. Baby Bottles
   Native Americans are credited with inventing the first baby bottle and an alternative to mother’s milk. Mothers created feeding tubes for infants from bear intestines and bird quills to form the nipple. These tubes were filled with a mixture of meat, berries, and nuts, which was cooked until liquefied. Another alternative baby food was made from a mixture of corn and water.