Native American Language Groups in Virginia

Introduction

Hello, and welcome to The three language groups. Here you will learn about the three language groups of Virginia.

Algonquian was spoken primarly in the Costal Plain/Tidewater Region. The Powhatan Indians were a member of this group. The Powhatan tribes grew corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, and tobacco. They hunted animals and fished for fish. The leader of the Powhatan united some thirty Algonquian groups to form a Powhatan chiefdom.

Siouan was spoken primarly in the Piedmont region. The Monacan Indians were members of this group. The women gardened and gathered nuts, berries, and other food. They grow corn/maize, beans, squash and other crops. The women made household good out of wood, bone, animal skins and other available natural resources. While Men hunted down animals, fished, and fought in wars.

Iroquoian was spoken in southwest Virginia. Near North Carolina or NC. The Cherokee were part of this group. The Cherokee lived in small communities, located on fertile lands alongside the rivers. Homes were made of wooden frames covered with woven vines and tree saplings plastered with mud. These were replaced in later years with log structures. Women had an equal voice in the decisions made in the tribe. Each village had a Council House where ceremonies and tribal meetings were held using a democratic process.