The native people of North and South America were given the name "Indians" b

The native people of North and South America were given the name "Indians" by the explorer Christopher Columbus. He thought he had reached the place called the Indies. In time, the terms American Indian and Indian became widely used.
    About two million Native Americans live in the United States today. Some Indians lived on government land called reservations, or on tribal lands. Others live in cities.
    Traditional culture remains strong in areas where large numbers of Indians live. But many Native Americans worry that their cultural traditions will be lost as young people leave these areas for economic reasons.
    The economic situation of American Indians as a group is not good. About 50 percent of those who live on reservations have no jobs. Those who do have jobs earn less than other Americans. Most Indians hold low-paying unskilled jobs. Indians have many health problems and do not live as long as other Americans. But the situation is improving as more Indians are becoming educated. Today, most Native Americans graduate from high school. At least 9 percent of all Indians 25 years old or older have finished college. American Indians are trying to change their economic situation, improve their lives and honor their culture.