Requirements
1. Identify the different American Indian cultural areas. Explain
what makes them each unique.
2. Give the history of one American Indian tribe, group, or
nation that lives or has lived near you. Visit it, if possible.
Tell about traditional dwellings, way of life, tribal government,
religious beliefs, family and clan relationships, language,
clothing styles, arts and crafts, food preparation, means of
getting around, games, customs in warfare, where members
of the group now live, and how they live.
3. Do TWO of the following. Focus on a specific group or tribe.
a. Make an item of clothing worn by members of the tribe.
b. Make and decorate three items used by the tribe, as
approved by your counselor.
c. Make an authentic model of a dwelling used by an Indian
tribe, group, or nation.
d. Visit a museum to see Indian artifacts. Discuss them with
your counselor. Identify at least 10 artifacts by tribe or
nation, their shape, size, and use.
4. Do ONE of the following:
a. Learn three games played by a group or tribe. Teach and
lead one game with a Scout group.
b. Learn and show how a tribe traditionally cooked or
prepared food. Make three food items.
c. Give a demonstration showing how a specific Indian
group traditionally hunted, fished, or trapped.
5. Do ONE of the following:
a. Write or briefly describe how life might have been
different for the European settlers if there had been
no native Americans to meet them when they came
to this continent.
b. Sing two songs in an Indian language. Explain
their meanings.
c. Learn in an Indian language at least 25 common terms
and their meanings.
d. Show 25 signs in Indian sign language. Include those that
will help you ask for water, for food, and where the path
or road leads.
e. Learn an Indian story of up to 300 words (or several
shorter stories adding up to no more than 300 words).
Tell the story or stories at a Scout gathering or campfire.
f. Write or tell about eight things adopted by others from
Ameri can Indians.
g. Learn 25 Indian place names. Tell their origins
and meanings.
h. Name five well-known American Indian leaders, either
from the past or people of today. Give their tribes or
nations. Describe what they did or do now that makes
them notable.
i. Attend a contemporary American Indian gathering.
Discuss with your counselor what you learned and
observed. Include in your discussion any singing,
dancing, drumming, and the various men’s and
women’s dance styles you saw.
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges