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Native Americans and the White House

Native Americans hold a significant place in White House history. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples, including the Nacotchtank and Piscataway, lived in the Potomac Valley prior to the construction of the White House. Since that time, Native Americans have come to the Executive Mansion to share their cultural heritage, meet with presidents, protest, and advocate for Indigenous rights. In this collection, learn more about the history of Native Americans at the White House, and their impact on the presidency.

Indigenous Peoples in the Potomac Region

Before the White House

“From Indian Village to Vice Presidency”

The Myth of the Vanishing Indian

Native American Delegations, Diplomacy, and Protests at the White House

Calvin Coolidge and Native Americans

An "Unusual Interest"

"self determination without termination"

President Nixon's Approach to Native American Policy Reform

An Eloquent Visitor from the Great Plains

Chief Petalesharro Visits the White House, 1821

Indian Delegates in the President's "Summer House"

In Photographs