American Indian peoples have lived on this land for thousands of years and are still a vital part of America today. This badge helps you learn about the many different nations, their languages, games, and ways of life, past and present. Approach it with curiosity and respect.
Why it's worth it
There are hundreds of American Indian nations in the United States today, each with its own language, history, and government. This badge helps you learn about them as living communities, not just as part of the past. You'll learn the real story behind place names you see every day, play games kids have played for centuries, and practice the kind of respectful curiosity that makes you a welcome guest anywhere.
Start this week
- Look at a map of your state and list three rivers, towns, or parks with names that come from a native language.
- Ask your Scoutmaster for the name of an American Indian Culture counselor, and send them a short message with a parent copied to set up a first meeting.
- Find out which nations have lived in your area, past and present, and whether any have a cultural center or museum you could visit.
- Check out a book from the library written by a native author, and read the first chapter this week.
Requirements · 5
Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab) (updated 2025).
- Requirement 1
Name the American Indian cultural areas and explain what makes each one distinct
Tip: Use a map to see the major cultural areas. Note how climate, land, and food shaped the way each group lived.
For example: Make a map with colored regions for the cultural areas, such as the Northeast Woodlands, Plains, Southwest, and Northwest Coast. For each, note the main foods, housing, and how the land shaped daily life.
- Requirement 2
Research one American Indian tribe, group, or nation and tell your counselor about its dwellings, way of life, government, religion, family and clan ties, language, clothing, arts and crafts, growing, gathering and preparing food, travel, games, warfare customs, and life today
Tip: Choose a tribe or nation from your region if you can. Look for sources written by members of that nation.
For example: Research one nation's way of life, past and present: where they live, how they govern themselves today, traditional foods and crafts, and one current project the nation is working on, like language classes or land restoration.
- Requirement 3
Language, place names, and leaders
Tips for this section: Look up place names near you, such as rivers, towns, or parks, that come from native languages and learn what they mean.
Example for this section: Learn what 10 place names near you mean and 10 everyday words in one native language. Then share five notable leaders and their nations, such as Sequoyah, who created a writing system for the Cherokee language.
- Requirement 3a
Learn 10 common words or terms in an American Indian language and what they mean
- Requirement 3b
Find out what 10 U.S. place names of American Indian origin mean
- Requirement 3c
Name five notable American Indian leaders, past or present, with their tribes or nations, and describe what makes each notable
- Requirement 4
Cultural exchange and games
Tips for this section: When teaching a traditional game, explain where it comes from and why it was played. Practice it with family first.
Example for this section: Teach your patrol a traditional game like a hoop-and-pole or stick-dice game. Start by explaining which nation it comes from and what skills it built, then play a few rounds.
- Requirement 4a
Describe how European settlers' lives might have differed if no Native Americans had been here when they arrived
- Requirement 4b
Describe eight things other people have adopted from American Indians
- Requirement 4c
Learn a game played by a tribe or group, then teach and lead it with a group of Scouts
- Requirement 5
Museum or gathering. Choose 1 of 2
Tips for this section: Look for a museum, cultural center, or public powwow near you. Learn the etiquette before you go, and ask before taking photos.
Example for this section: At a public powwow, learn the etiquette first: stand for the grand entry, don't touch dancers' regalia, and ask before taking any photos. Notice how the dance categories and drum groups are announced.
- Requirement 5a
Visit a museum in person or online to see American Indian exhibits; discuss two exhibits with your counselor and identify 10 artifacts by their tribe or nation, shape, size, and use
- Requirement 5b
Attend a present-day American Indian gathering; discuss with your counselor the proper etiquette for attending and what you saw and learned
Places to visit
Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.
A tribal cultural center or museum
Exhibits made by the nation itself tell its history and present in its own words.
How: Have an adult check the website for visiting hours and education programs, or call and ask for the education department to arrange a group visit.
A public powwow or cultural festival
You'll see dancing, drumming, regalia, art, and food, and many events have an announcer who explains what's happening.
How: Go with your family or troop. Check the event listing to confirm it's open to the public and read any posted visitor guidelines first.
Where it can lead
- Museum curator or educatorWorks with native communities to share history and art accurately.
- Language teacherHelps keep native languages alive by teaching them to children and adults.
- Tribal government staffNations hire people for roles like natural resources, health, law enforcement, and education.
- Archaeologist or cultural resource specialistProtects historic and sacred sites, often working alongside tribal historic preservation offices.
Ask yourself
- What did you think you knew about American Indian peoples before this badge, and where did those ideas come from?
- Which nation or tradition do you want to keep learning about, and why?
- How did it feel to be a guest at someone else's cultural event?
- What is one thing you learned that you think most of your classmates don't know?
- How does knowing the history of the land where you live change how you see it?
Good questions to ask a cultural center educator or tribal member
- What do you most want young people to understand about your nation today?
- What's being done to keep your language and traditions strong?
- Are there common mistakes or stereotypes you wish people would stop repeating?
- What's the best way for a visitor to show respect at a gathering or ceremony?
- What's a game, story, or skill you learned as a kid that still matters to you?
Helpful reads
- Earning a merit badge, step by step, From picking a badge to getting the final signature: how to find a counselor, set up meetings safely, work the requirements, and keep your progress., Youth · Families · 6 min read
- Contacting counselors, experts, and organizations, Email and phone scripts, who to ask for, how to follow up, and how to say thanks, with a parent copied every time., Youth · Families · 7 min read
- Choosing your next merit badge, How to pick a badge you'll actually finish: start with what you care about, balance Eagle-required and just-for-fun badges, and make the most of camp., Youth · Families · 6 min read
For leaders & parents
- Remind scouts that these are living cultures, and help them find sources created by native communities themselves.
- Invite a guest from a local tribal community or cultural center to share with the troop.
People & places that can help
- Merit badge counselor — Talk with them early; they can explain what's expected.
- National Museum of the American Indian (opens in a new tab) — Exhibits and learning resources about native nations across the Americas.
- Local tribal cultural centers and museums — Learn directly from native communities near you.
- Public library — Books by native authors and about specific nations.
- National Congress of American Indians (opens in a new tab) — An organization of tribal nations with information on tribes and issues today.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (opens in a new tab) — The federal agency that works with tribal nations, including a map of tribal lands.
- Native Land Digital (opens in a new tab) — An interactive map showing which nations' homelands are where you live.
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Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.