Since decades ago, the American public has often discussed the unequal treatment of certain groups in the past such as African slaves or Mexican immigrants. However, there is one group that is often disregarded: Native Americans.

Throughout history, they have been neglected by society. For example, they were pushed out of their homelands and even were enslaved. Even today, we see these same patterns of disrespect for the Native Americans. Currently, Dakota Access started building a pipeline that will go through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. It will pass under the Missouri River, the main source of water for the Native Americans. All pipelines eventually leak, meaning that the tribe will have polluted water. It also will go through their burial land. This pipeline plan shows utter disrespect for the Native Americans. If the pipeline planned to pass through a community or a government building, it would be shut down immediately. However, Native Americans are shown no consideration.

Why do Native Americans matter so much and why should they be taught more in U.S. history? Here are three large contributions that the Native Americans made.

1. Set the foundations of democracy

They were not “primitive” people as much of U.S. history suggests. Supporting public meetings and free speech, the Native Americans believed that all members of the tribe should be able to voice their opinions before making decisions. The English colonists, who at the time only supported monarchy, most likely understood the benefits of democracy by viewing the Native Americans.

2. Farming

Currently, almost half of the world food crops were once domesticated by the Native Americans. As you can tell from the large amount of crops they domesticated, Native Americans were extremely advanced in their farming techniques. They were much more advanced than the Europeans at the time. They influenced the farming techniques of the Europeans. For example, Spanish conquistadors learned terraced farming from the Incas.

3. Contributed to the English language

Native American words were included in the English language such as Mississippi, which means “Great River,” and skunk.

Native Americans have played a large role in shaping the current United States identity. Therefore, it is time that people give them the respect that has been long overdue.