American Indian Culture and the Trail to Eagle
American Indian Culture is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
American Indian Culture Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 4 main requirements for American Indian Culture. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Identify the different American Indian cultural areas. Name one tribe from each area.
- 2
Give the history of one American Indian tribe, group, or nation.
- 3
Do TWO of the following. Focus on a specific tribe or group for each:
- a.Make an item of clothing worn or used by members of the tribe.
- b.Make and use a musical instrument.
- c.Make an authentic model of a dwelling.
- d.Visit a museum with American Indian exhibits or visit an American Indian reservation.
- 4
Do ONE of the following:
- a.Learn 25 words in an American Indian language.
- b.Show 25 trail signs and their meanings.
- c.Learn an American Indian story and present it at a campfire program.
- d.Learn an American Indian song and sing it at a campfire program.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the American Indian Culture Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start American Indian Culture, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
American Indian Culture is usually earned anywhere. Pick whichever setting lets you work with your counselor most consistently.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 12 American Indian Culture requirements for you.
American Indian Culture Merit Badge FAQ
Is the American Indian Culture merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. American Indian Culture is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the American Indian Culture merit badge take?
Most scouts finish American Indian Culture in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the American Indian Culture merit badge?
American Indian Culture is most often earned anywhere. Any registered merit badge counselor for American Indian Culture can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the American Indian Culture merit badge have?
American Indian Culture has 4 main requirements with 8 sub-requirements, for 12 items in total.
