Native American name controversy

There is an ongoing discussion about the terminology used by the Indigenous peoples of the Americas to describe themselves, as well as how they prefer to be referred to by others. Preferred terms vary primarily by region and age. As Indigenous peoples and communities are diverse, there is no consensus on naming.

Since the European colonization of the Americas, the blanket term "Indian" referring to all Indigenous peoples has remained widespread in both formal and informal discourse. This term was first applied by the Italian navigator Christopher Columbus, reflecting his belief that he had reached the East Indies when he landed in the Antilles on his 1492 voyage.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, there has been greater awareness among non-Indigenous peoples that Indigenous peoples in the Americas have been active in discussions of how they wish to be known. Indigenous people have pressed for the elimination of terms they consider to be obsolete, inaccurate, or racist. During the latter half of the 20th century and the rise of the Red Power movement, the United States government responded by proposing the use of the term "Native American" to recognize the primacy of Indigenous peoples' tenure in the country. The term has become widespread nationally, but only partially accepted by various Indigenous groups.

In Canada, the term "First Nations" is generally used for peoples covered by the Indian Act, and "Indigenous peoples" used for Native peoples more generally, including Inuit and Métis, who do not fall under the "First Nations" category. Status Indian remains a legal designation because of the Indian Act.

United States

See also: Métis in the United States

"Indian" and "American Indian" (since 1492)

When Europeans first arrived in the Americas, they often called the people they met "Indians". This happened because one of the explorers, Christopher Columbus, thought he had reached India. Over time, many people kept using this name. In the late 1900s, some groups began preferring the term "American Indian" instead of just "Native American".

Today, both terms are still used. Some people feel that "Indian" is outdated, while others think it’s fine because it’s been used for a long time.

"Native American" (since the 1960s)

The term "Native American" became more common in the 1960s and 1970s. It was seen as a better way to describe the original peoples of the Americas because it reminds us they were here before others arrived.

Some people worry that "Native American" might leave out groups from places like Alaska or Canada, but many still use it today.

"Indigenous" (1980s)

The word "Indigenous" means "originating from" a place. It started being used more in the 1980s to describe the original peoples of a region.

"Aboriginal" and "Aborigine"

These words come from a Latin phrase meaning "from the beginning". In some places, they are used to talk about the first peoples of a country.

"Alaska Native"

This term is used for the first peoples of Alaska. It includes many different groups with their own languages and traditions.

"Eskimo"

The word Eskimo was used in the past, but many people now prefer other names. Some feel that Eskimo carries negative meanings.

"Inuit" (since 1977)

In the late 1970s, groups from several countries officially chose the name "Inuit" to describe themselves.

"Amerind" or "Amerindian"

These words are short for "American Indian". They were created in the early 1900s but have always been debated. Today, they are mostly used in special areas like anthropology.

Canada

The way people in Canada talk about Indigenous groups has changed over time. In the past, laws often used the word "Indian" to describe First Nations peoples. Today, many prefer the term "Indigenous peoples" to include all groups such as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

The term "First Nations" became common in the 1980s as a way to avoid using the word "Indian," which some find offensive. "First Peoples" is another broad term that includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. In Canadian French, the terms première(s) nation(s) and autochtone are used. The Inuit people, meaning "the people," officially use this term since 1977. Different regions and groups may have their own preferred names.

Latin America

In Mexico, both the government and the media use the term "Indigenous peoples" (pueblos indígenas in Spanish). This is the name they prefer to be called.

International

"Indigenous peoples"

In recent times, the term "Indigenous peoples" has become a way to talk about groups with deep roots in a place before new countries or rulers came. The word "Indigenous" always starts with a big "I" when talking about these groups of people. In the Americas, we often say "Indigenous peoples of the Americas," and we can also talk about groups in specific places, like Indigenous peoples of Panama. This term helps share the stories, challenges, and fights of many groups around the world who were affected by colonization.

Turtle Islander

Some people call the North American continent Turtle Island. Even though the official name is North America, many stories from different places talk about a myth where the land rests on the back of a turtle. This idea isn’t used everywhere but has become a symbol for many Indigenous people. Just like people from Europe, Asia, and Africa have names for their home continents, "Turtle Islander" is one way to name North America.

Controversial terminology

Indian princess

Main article: Indian princess

Sometimes, the term "Indian princess" can be seen as upsetting. However, some Indigenous groups use the word “Princess” in special events to honor cultural skills and leadership. Not everyone agrees with this, as some feel it reinforces unfair stereotypes.

Injun

"Injun" redirects here. For other uses, see Injun (disambiguation).

The word “Injun” is an old way of saying “Indian” and is now often considered rude. It was used to make fun of how Native Americans or early settlers might have spoken English with a strong accent.

Redskin / Red Indian

Main article: Redskin

In the past, both Americans and Europeans called Native Americans “Red Indians.” This name came from old ideas about race and was used to tell Native Americans apart from people from India. Today, many Native Americans find the term “Redskin” very offensive, especially because it was used during times when Native Americans were treated very badly. Some teams and schools still use these names, but many people are working to change them.

Savage

See also: Noble savage and Barbarian

In the past, some scientists and government officials used the word “savage” to describe Indigenous peoples. This word was tied to old beliefs that non-Christian people were less civilized.

Squaw

Main article: Squaw

The word “squaw” is today seen as very rude and unfair when talking about Indigenous women. Many people are trying to change place names that still use this word. Some experts argue the word might have had a different meaning long ago, but most agree it is offensive today.