The Tequesta were a Native American tribe that inhabited the southeastern coast of Florida, particularly around the area now known as Miami. They lived in small villages and relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering for their sustenance. The Tequesta were known for their skill in crafting tools and canoes, which helped them navigate the waterways of the region. The tribe's society was organized around family units, and they practiced a form of animism, believing in spirits associated with nature. By the 18th century, the Tequesta faced significant challenges due to European colonization and disease, leading to their eventual decline and assimilation into other cultures.