Geographic distribution of 11 American Indian tribes in the Great Lakes area is described, along with archaeological data relating to the history and customs of ancient Indian tribes residing in this region. European impact, especially French, upon early traditional Indian cultural patterns is discussed. Each of the Indian tribes living in the Great Lakes region today is treated individually with respect to methodology employed in hunting, home construction, and religious rites peculiar to that tribe. Programs instituted by modern Indian tribesmen to earn a livelihood in the Twentieth Century, along with governmental assistance programs currently underway, are also described. (DA)