<p>Maryland had a diverse collection of Native American tribes that made up its original inhabitants. It’s a common belief that several of the tribes in Maryland migrated from Canada. The original Native tribes in the state included the Shawnee, Tutelo, Saponi, Susquehannock, Lenape, Powhatan, and Nanticoke tribes. Naturally, tribes on or near the Maryland peninsula, like the Nanticoke, relied extensively on fishing to survive. That said, men used snares, baskets, and spears to catch eels, fish, mussels, clams, and other sea life. Because of the low temperatures Maryland would experience seasonally, Natives fashioned clothing articles from animal skins, fur, and cotton for warmth. Maryland’s original inhabitants also had extensive cultural beliefs and practices. For example, the Saponi tribe was well-known for being very spiritual, maintaining beliefs in reincarnation and an afterlife. Despite the rich Native American history, Maryland doesn’t recognize any tribes on the federal level. </p>
