At Diamond Brand, we understand that our business is part of a larger story—one that includes the enduring legacy of the tentmaking tradition. This story begins with the countless innovations and contributions of Native Americans.
Our factory and offices, located on the traditional lands of the Cherokee Nation, are more than just a place of business. They are a reminder of the heritage and contributions of these people, whose innovations and deep understanding of the environment have shaped countless aspects of modern life. The influence of Native American knowledge and practices are woven into the fabric of our business and community, from agricultural techniques to the principles of sustainable living.
In this post we want to take the opportunity to acknowledge this legacy and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous communities with whom we share this land.
Source – University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center.
TentMAKING TRADITIONS
The first tent-like structures among Native American tribes were primarily used by the Great Plains tribes.
Many people incorrectly assume that all Indigenous people in North America lived in stereotypical tipis. This is incorrect, as many First Nations and Native American cultures and civilizations have used many other types of dwellings.
Native American tribes across the country developed a wide variety of structures perfectly suited to the climates and landscapes they inhabited. These shelters were not only practical and resourceful but also reflected each tribe’s deep connection to the natural environment. Here’s a look at the different types of Native American structures, tailored to their geographic regions and climates:
Southwest
In the dry, arid landscapes of the Southwest, the Apache and Navajo tribes built wickiups. These dome-shaped structures had wooden frames covered with brush, grass, or reed mats. Their open, airy design allowed for ventilation while still offering shade and protection from the harsh sun and strong winds of the desert.
NORTHEASt
In the dense, forested regions of the Northeast, tribes like the Algonquin constructed wigwams. Similar to wickiups, these rounded shelters were typically covered in birch bark or other natural materials abundant in the region, providing durable and weather-resistant homes in a climate with colder winters and frequent rain.
Southeast
In the humid and wooded Appalachian mountains, the Cherokee and Creek built wattle and daub houses. These permanent structures were made by weaving wooden frames together and covering them with a mix of mud, clay, and grasses, which provided insulation against both the hot summers and cooler winters of the Appalachian region. The Cherokee also lived in asi, seasonal structures during the cold winter months. These small, partially underground shelters had low roofs and a central hearth, effectively retaining heat. Later on, the Cherokee eventually adopted more permanent log cabins, influenced by European settlers.
Midwest
On the Great Plains, where tribes like the Lakota (Sioux), Cheyenne, Crow, Comanche, and Blackfoot lived, tipis were the shelter of choice. These cone-shaped structures, covered in buffalo hides, were portable and ideal for the nomadic lifestyle of the Plains tribes, offering protection from the open plains’ strong winds and extreme weather. While tipis are the most well-known Native American structure, especially among the Plains tribes, they are now primarily used for ceremonial purposes rather than everyday living.
Northwest
In the coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest, tribes such as the Haida and Tlingit built plank houses from the region’s abundant cedar trees. These large, rectangular wooden homes were designed to withstand the damp, rainy climate and could house multiple families.
Each of these diverse structures was a reflection of the tribe’s deep understanding of their environment, using locally available materials and construction techniques to create shelters that were sustainable, comfortable, and well-suited to their climate and surroundings. The diversity of Native American architecture showcases how these communities thrived in harmony with nature, creating lasting legacies of resourcefulness, resilience and of course- sustainability.
Did You Know…
- U.S. Native American Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday of September every year, falling on September 27 this year, as a way of honoring those who have been a part of the American tradition even before our country came into being.
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day, occurring the second Monday in October, is often celebrated in place of or alongside Columbus Day. It honors the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in North America and a counter-narrative to recognize the impact of colonization on Native communities.
- Native American Heritage Month is observed annually in November to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of Native Americans, as well as a time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Native communities and the efforts to address them.
A Legacy of Stewardship & Sustainability
Cultural awareness and preservation are essential to building a more sustainable world by promoting respect for diverse traditions, values, and practices that emphasize living in harmony with nature.
By preserving cultural knowledge and fostering cross-cultural understanding, societies can combine traditional wisdom with contemporary solutions to achieve sustainable living, reduce environmental harm, and promote social equity for generations to come.
At Diamond Brand we recognize the deep and enduring connection between the places where we work, create and explore everyday – and the ancestral and indigenous people whose history, culture, and traditions originated. Native communities have played an invaluable role not only in shaping our business but also in influencing our world through their enduring wisdom and cultural practices.
As we reflect on the significance of this land, we honor the legacy of the Cherokee people, along with other Native American communities across the country. It is rich with wisdom, ingenuity, and a profound respect for the natural world—a respect that guides us in our own commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Native Americans were the original leaders of the Sustainability movement. Their cultures have long embraced sustainable practices such as responsible resource management, biodiversity conservation, and ecological balance.
OUR COMMITMENT
Diamond Brand is committed to being respectful guests on these lands, and honoring the Native American legacy not only in words but through our actions:
- FOSTERING inclusive and respectful business practices that support Indigenous sovereignty and culture
- EDUCATING ourselves and our community about the rich cultural history, heritage, traditions and contributions of the Native American people.
- HONORING and celebrating Native American people every day, and on special designated holidays throughout the year, by acknowledging the profound influence of their cultures
- SUPPORTING social justice initiatives that foster healing, equity, respect, and the preservation of Native heritage.
- ACKNOWLEDGING the painful history, suffering and lasting impact of injustices like violence, displacement and oppression committed against Native American communities
- RESPECTING Native Americans enduring connection to the land, and integrating these values into our work
- SUPPORTING Indigenous-owned businesses
- PARTICPATING in Native American cultural events
- ADVOCATING for the rights and sovereignty of Native communities
- UPHOLDING practices that preserve and protect nature
All Zipped Up
Across different regions of the world, tents have evolved and adapted to each culture and climate. Today, modern tentmaking is rarely about survival as most tents today are made for recreational enjoyment. Modern tent technology has evolved to match – making lighter, more durable and more compact tents that offer comfort and functionality for outdoor living.
Diamond Brand is committed to new advancements in modern tentmaking but we will always continue to honor the roots of the tradition, supported by thousands of years of trial and error and experimentation.
Native Americans were the original sustainable tentmakers, so to them we credit our success. Diamond Brand is committed to celebrating their contributions in responsible and eco-friendly tent design and their wisdom, methods and traditions in shaping today’s modern tent solutions.
Want more content like this? SUBSCRIBE below to join our community of earth-conscious explorers and tent-loving adventurers.