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About The Amerinds Human life in the Americas had its genesis with the appearance of the Amerinds, possibly as early as 70,000 years ago. Amerinds is the preferred term used by anthropologists for indigenous peoples instead of Columbus’ designation of Indios or Indians. Columbus erroneously believed, when landing on the mainland islands of America, he had reached the Indies of Asia (lands known as India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and China). In a February, 1493, letter he referred to the dark-skinned, native people as Indios. The explorers who then followed Columbus called all the native peoples of North and South America Indians which is the term used throughout this web site. Today, these people are commonly referred to as Native Americans. |
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