American Indian Culture Merit Badge

1. The American Indian cultural areas Requirement

Identify them, and explain what makes each unique.

2. Research one tribe, group or nation Requirement

Tell your counselor about traditional dwellings, way of life, tribal government, religious beliefs, family and clan relationships, language, clothing styles, arts and crafts, food cultivation, foraging and preparation, means of getting around, games, customs in warfare, and where and how they live today.

3. Language, place names and leaders Requirement

Three parts.

3 parts

• 3(a). Ten common terms in an American Indian language
• 3(b). Ten place names of American Indian origin
• 3(c). Five well-known American Indian leaders

4. Encounter, influence and a game Requirement

Three parts; the last is taught to a Scout group.

3 parts

• 4(a). If no Native Americans had met the European settlers
• 4(b). Eight things adopted by others from American Indians
• 4(c). Learn a game of a group or tribe; teach and lead it Often forgotten

5. A museum or a gathering. Do ONE Requirement

The badge states the choice.

2 parts

• 5(a). Visit a museum, in person or virtually Optional May not apply
• 5(b). Attend a contemporary American Indian gathering Optional May not apply

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. The American Indian cultural areas, 2. Research one tribe, group or nation and 3 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.