Diseases such as Tuberculosis and Smallpox, wars with Europeans and interactions with whites led to the decimation and extinction of many native tribes. Various tribes amalgamated with other tribes, while others became extinct with time. Here are the top 10 Native Tribes which faced extinction after the European contact.



1. Beothuk Tribes:

The Beothuk people were dark and tall with black hair and dark eyes. They lived for thousands of years prior to the Vikings in present day Newfoundland. When Europeans under John Cabot began exploiting lumber and fish in the area, the Beothuk were forced out. The fear of white people, tuberculosis and malnutrition decimated the population by 1700s. By 1829, no Beothuks were found in Newfoundland.

3. Mandans:

Smallpox, war and treaties signed with United States contributed to Mandans’ extinction. By 1837, their population was decimated to 125 people with the outbreak of smallpox, which they were not immune to. In 1934, the Mandans merged with two other tribes with the Indian Reorganization Act. The last pure Mandan died in 1971.

5. Hachaath:

Previously living on Vancouver Island and Barcland Island, they were part of the Nootka group of tribes. Contact with Europeans and smallpox is blamed for their extinction.