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Native Americans: Don't call them “Indians”

Native Americans:

Don't call them “Indians”

by Zarin

 

3GreatChiefs
Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, Sitting Bull of the Hunkpapa Sioux and Geronimo of the Chiracauha Apache

A little over 500 years ago, an Italian in a Spanish Ship went looking for India in the wrong direction. Everyone was lost and very confused. They finally reached landfall and immediately assumed they had reached India and referred to the indigenous people as “Indios” (Indians). A name which is not only completely in error, but constantly applied to the millions of Native Peoples throughout the entire Western Hemisphere. A name which only correctly applies to individuals, who are from the Nation of India.

 

Now there are well over 300 distinct tribal populations within the United States alone. All of these tribal groups are distinctly different from each other, with their own languages, beliefs and customs. Their most preferred designation (if their tribal name is unknown) is Native American. They are much more impressed if you ask them what tribe they are. This shows great respect for their cultural uniqueness. Never ask them what “kind of Indian” they are? This is insensitive and can be very insulting. It would be like asking any woman “what kind of woman she is?”

When you ask them for their tribal designation, quite often they will tell you what you can accept or understand. Often the name they give you is the colloquial reference, not their actual name for themselves. They do this to prevent confusion. Out of good manners. The best example is the Navajo. Their name is actually Dineh (din ay), which means “the people” in their language. The colloquial term “Navajo” is actually demeaning, sometimes interpreted as “thief.” Another people might better deserve to be called “Navajo” and they are not Native Americans. Native Americans have learned the hard way not to disagree with others, who are under gross mis-interpretations of their Tribal ways.

Almost every Tribe refers to themselves as “the People” in some way or another. The “Cherokee” are actually the “Ani Yun Wiya.” Which is translated as “the real people.”

There is NO such thing as Native American Culture. Each Tribe is distinct from every other. And each member of each Tribe is very proud of these distinctions. The closest thing to a “Native American Culture” is the growing Pow-Wow movement across America and Canada. This movement is primarily based on dress, dance and social customs found among the Great Plains tribes. It comes from customs, clothing and dances among the Sioux (Dakota), Apasaroke, Blackfoot, Cheyenne and Comanche tribes. The Hollywood classic Native American eagle feather bonnet, breastplates, quill headdresses, bone chokers, beaded leathers and feather bustles appear to be most common. Some new aspects such as the jingle dress has been modernized over the last 100 years. Moreover, members of other unrelated tribal groups have begun to adopt certain Pow-Wow motifs as well. It is, however, not uncommon to see tribal members from other native regions wearing their traditional dress and/or regalia at many Pow-Wows. It is becoming more common to find Aztec and other Central American tribal cultures at many Pow-Wows. They didn't stop being Native Americans just because a border has been created.

The Pow-Wow movement is designed to bring All Native Americans together in unity and pride and to promulgate social inter-action. All peoples are welcome at most Pow-Wows as long as they respect the spiritual and social aspects there. There are a few entirely Native American gatherings, held around the country, where no non-natives are permitted to attend. Quite often there are deeply held spiritual rites included, which may not be viewed by outsiders.

One of the most famous Native American activities is the Annual Gathering of the Tribes in Oklahoma. There are even a few Pow-Wows held in various parts of Europe as well. If you have never attended a Pow-Wow. Consider this a major missed experience. The deeply held spirituality, color, texture, music, rhythm, foods, artifacts along with the varied uniqueness of Native Americana are evident everywhere at most Pow-Wows. But, remember, never call them Indians.

 

About Zarin

zarinI am a professional psychic.  My mother and father were both gifted psychics, from whom I have inherited my various gifts and to whom I will always be grateful.

 

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