When indigenous peoples have been forcibly removed by nation - states , they retain their original geographic classification .
These cultural regions are broadly based upon the locations of indigenous peoples of the Americas from early European and African contact beginning in the late 15th century .
When indigenous peoples have been forcibly removed by nation - states , peoples retain their original geographic classification .
These cultural regions are broadly based upon the locations of indigenous peoples of the Americas from early European and African contact beginning in the late 15th century .