Governance and Trade: Each Indigenous nation developed its own unique governance model to manage their citizens and expand their territories. These systems ranged from patriarchal and matrilineal-based societies to complex political systems governing multi-nation empires. Complex trade networks developed to satisfy political, social and economic goals.

1491: The Untold Story of the Americas is a docu-drama mini-series that brings to life the complexity, diversity and interconnectedness of Indigenous peoples in the Americas before the arrival of Columbus. Presented from an Indigenous-perspective through a blend of documentary and scripted drama, the series takes its audience on a journey along a timeline that dates from 20,000 years ago to 1491. The series is based on the book "1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus" by Charles C. Mann. Transcript available under Additional info tag.

Includes: Governance and Trade (formation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy), Inka Civilization, Maya Trade, Hopewell Exchange, Cahokia, Aztec Empire, Potlatch Ceremony, and Pipe Ceremony. .