Ep 2. Nature to Nations

Native America season 1 episode 2, titled "Nature to Nations," delves into the vast and diverse geographical landscapes of North America and how they shaped the cultures and beliefs of the indigenous peoples who inhabited them. From the deserts of the Southwest to the boreal forests of the North, the episode explores how nature provided sustenance, shelter, and inspiration for the earliest Native American communities.

The episode begins with a focus on the Hohokam civilization, who settled in the Sonoran Desert in what is now Arizona. The Hohokam were skilled engineers who created an extensive irrigation system to support agriculture in an otherwise arid landscape. The episode showcases the impressive canal system still visible today, and explains how the Hohokam were able to thrive in such a challenging environment. From there, the focus shifts to the Mississippi River Valley, where the Native American culture known as the Cahokia emerged more than a thousand years ago. The episode highlights the Cahokia's mound-building traditions, which produced impressive structures like the Monks Mound, the largest earthwork in North America.

Moving on to the Pacific Northwest, the episode examines the complex coastal ecosystem that provided for the Tlingit people who lived there. The Tlingit had an intricate relationship with the sea, relying on salmon runs and shellfish for food and using the resources of the ocean to build their homes and canoes. The episode shows how the Tlingit used their environment to create intricate art and carvings, and how their spiritual beliefs were deeply intertwined with the natural world.

The episode then shifts to the Great Plains, home to nomadic tribes like the Comanche and the Lakota. The Plains offered great expanses of grassland and buffalo, which became a vital resource for these mobile cultures. The episode explores how the Comanche perfected horsemanship, transforming themselves into one of the most formidable horseback armies in history. It also examines the Lakota's sacred connection to the Black Hills, a region of South Dakota that was central to their spiritual beliefs.

Finally, the episode turns to the Arctic, which is home to the Inuit and Yupik people. The Arctic is one of the harshest environments on earth, yet the Inuit and Yupik have thrived there for thousands of years. The episode explores how they are able to survive in such extreme conditions, including their innovative use of igloos for shelter and how they hunt whales and other sea mammals for food. It also highlights how the Inuit and Yupik have developed a rich mythology centered around their relationship with the environment.

Throughout "Nature to Nations," the episode draws connections between the natural world and the cultures it has shaped. It shows how the land and the people are inextricably linked, and how indigenous communities have learned to live in harmony with the environment. With its stunning visuals and expert insights, "Nature to Nations" provides a fascinating introduction to the diversity and complexity of Native American culture.