The following is the cultural definition of nationhood as printed by Merriam-Webster.
"People whose common identity creates a psychological bond and a political community. Their political identity usually comprises such characteristics as a common language, culture, ethnicity, and history. More than one nation may comprise a state, but the terms nation, state, and country are often used interchangeably. A nation-state is a state populated primarily by the people of one nationality."
Based on this definition identify a group that you would consider a nation living within the American South. Why are they a nation into themselves?
I would like to reference the American Indians to answer this question.