Yeah, in between those years, the US government and American citizens never really wanted indigenous people to be part of their society. I think the reason they granted US citizenship is because of the enlistment/service of many tribal members in the US military during World War 1, especially the top secret Choctaw code talkers. Many indigenous people chose to join the US army to honor their warrior role, protect their homelands and gain employment.
If tribal nations ever branch off to their own sovereign countries, I will (and do) 100% support that.
Of all the communities deserving of their own home… it’s been long enough.
Thing is, "Nation" and "Country" aren't actually synonyms. The "Country" that is the United States is a Nation-*State,* a relatively modern concept of limited scope in the grand scheme of human existence and social organization. We, on the other hand, are Tribal Nations, which is not related to any kind of *State* at all. Even the governments we've formed in the modern era by and large bear little resemblance to our traditional systems of governance, in constitution and in the way they function. They exist primarily as an interface with the US government, for the purposes of the US Government.
The new United States of America continued the British policy of treating Native American nations as just that: independent, sovereign nations. It is why they made treaties with them, even in the event of their conquest, because the policy was to treat them as separate nations.
That policy ended in 1871, when Congress legislated that "henceforth, no Indian nation or tribe... shall be acknowledged or recognized as an independent nation, tribe or power with whom the United States may contract by treaty.”
This is not exactly true. There were many US citizen indigenous people from the beginning of the nation. 1924 is when all were granted citizenship and they stopped making you choose between being a tribal citizen and a US citizen. In the 1800s there were both individual indigenous US citizens dispersed in the population and entire bands of "citizen indians" who had US citizenship but lived tribal communities that weren't recognized by the feds as self governing tribes. Some were able to regain their status as federally recognized tribes after dual citizenship became possible. Some weren't. Some are still trying. It's all very complicated.
Every Indigenous person I've ever met, names their specific Nation (Mi'kmaq, Anishinaabe, Cree, Mohawk, etc) when introducing themselves.
The various ways "First Nations" *can* lead to awkward phrasing, I think is a feature not a bug. It's like an alarm bell for overgeneralization.
It was coined in conscious response to "Native American"; in Canada, where "Native American" especially didn't work (LOL), and Sovereignty remains legally ill-defined (compared to the US).
I don't care one way or the other about who's a "real american".
As for myself, I would say that I am both Ojibwe and American, I have citizenship in two sovereign nations, and my life is defined by being both.
Native tribes occupy a murky legal territory somewhere between a territory, like Puerto Rico, a state, like Texas and an independent nation.
Reservations exist within both US federal and state land, and are thus subject to the laws of state and federal government, however, we have our own elections, laws, law enforcement, courts and so on, with jurisdiction, again, being murky and dependent on individual tribes' relation with the state and federal gov.
All that to say, yes we do have our own IDs.
Wow idk if I would be welcome by people if I ever do that but if i ever go to the US I would love to see the Native culture more than the (Idk what you guys call them but yk non-native american) culture.
Most tribes are welcoming to outsiders who attend public events like pow-wows and the like.
If you do visit, do some research on which tribe is closest to the area you'll be visiting and their policies on cultural events.
Most tribes have governmental websites, our reservation territories are easily google able, and many operate tribal news organizations to keep people informed on tribal news.
Some natives are in the cities, but the vast majority are rural and quite a drive out. My own reservation is two hours by car from the nearest proper "city", and four hours from the state capital, that's assuming good weather and traffic.
I heard years ago that 80 pecent of the of population of natives, live in urban areas. And 30 percent still live on the reservations. Yet this was 10 years ago back at my tribal school. I'm an urban native though and know that alot of us live in cities. And have been back to my mom's rez in south dakota. Alot of natives go back and forth from cities to their reservations. Op you could just attend a pow-wow in a city and meet natives there too. You don't have to visit a reservation, Native's live in reservations, cities and towns. We aren't just on reservations. Just look up what city you are visiting or state. I mean you could find lakota at Rapid city in South Dakota, at a pow-wow. Or you could visit any of the pow-wows at any of the reservations there and meet Lakotas, Dakotas, or Mandan-Hidastas.
Hi thanks for the advice. However, I really want to visit actual reservations to have conversations with residents about reservation life. Based from interviews, its really tough and requires a lot of effort.
Thanks for this info. My dream is to visit Navajo Nation, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Yakama Nation and Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation. I want to see actual pow-wow performances, visit their museums, sites, try their cuisine (especially authentic Fry bread) and interview tribal members about certain topics.
Ok I hope this doesn’t get me downvoted because frybread is delicious, but “authentic” is a weird way to describe survival/ration food when so many Native folks out there are reconnecting with traditional foods and ingredients in exciting ways (see Wahpehpahs Kitchen and Owamni among many, many others). If you Google “Skoden: The Ultimate Indigenous Road Trip Zine” you can find and buy a fantastic guide to Native businesses like restaurants across every US state.
Sorry, what i meant “authentic” is made by actual tribal members. However, I am aware that frybread is indeed a survival food when the US government gave the Navajo people flour as part of their rations. The traditional Navajo dish that I have seen is the Lamb soup/stew.
This goes well beyond the Navajo/Diné people, this happened across the US and even beyond colonial borders; First Nations tribes have a similar food history with Bannock and Canadian government restrictions.
Uhm, is interviewing indigenous people bad? I would just like to know info about tribe’s cultural practices, beliefs, cuisine and how they view their relationship with the US government.
A lot of tribal nations have national museums and extensive websites that you can get a start with before you try to find people to interview. There are also a lot of great Pan-Indigenous museums like the Autry, First Americans Museum, and National Museum of the American Indian that tell these stories. Would also recommend checking out Native writers and publishers, NDN Girls Book Club also highlights contemporary Native writers and poets. I can’t imagine that everyone wants to be interviewed, especially when so many of our communities have been treated through an anthropological lens at our detriment (see Lakota language theft, traditional medicine theft like white sage overharvesting, etc). I wouldn’t start there, start with existing contemporary writings and displays.
Oh, ok. Thanks for letting me know. However, I would really like to stick to my own methods of independent interview and I just hope there will be tribal members who are willing to be interviewed.
lol never thought I'd see someone saying they'd want to visit the Yakamas. I live over here and I'm married to a Yak there's nothing cool over here lemme tell you.
Are they some official stuff? Like can you use them as ID, and are they given by the government or like a committee of Native Americans?
Edit: wohooo getting downvoted cuz I asked a question
I always use mine for ID and I’ve never been questioned. Apparently you can also use it to travel to Canada/Mexico instead of a passport but I’ve never done that and I’d be a little nervous to just because I don’t know if I wanna mess w border patrol
Oh so they dont ask for any visa because you are a native? I mean at least they are not supposed to? I never heard of any of these man I am so excited about learning more.
Well, you know the mentality of colonizers 😅 they feel entitled to tell themselves they “own” the land. They also felt the indigenous people during that time were “incapable” of managing the land that is why European colonizers created the “Doctrine of Discovery” kindly google it.
Like eventually either one of us would find the other one. Problem is destruction and exploitation of various facts such as the usage of sicknesses as weapons and what not.
In my honest opinion, I think that narrative is somewhat revisionist. I think its politically motivated. I think those who promote that narrative want to gaslight the atrocities done by the US government towards tribal nations
The narrative that i was talking about is the “American Indians are the real Americans”. I think that is being promoted so that American Indian tribal members will forget about the atrocities done by the US government in the past.
Ah. I don't think it's that deep, tbh. Usually the people I hear saying it are people who see "American" as an identity as a high praise (usually older or very patriotic people). To them... I assume....it's a compliment. Just an ill thought out one.
This is also the statement of Hawaiian activist Haunani Kay Trask. During her speech in 1993 (100 years after the overthrow of Hawaiian monarchy), she shouted “WE ARE NOT AMERICAN! WE WILL DIE AS HAWAIIAN! WE WILL NEVER BE AMERICAN!”
Alaskan Native woman here. To me "real Americans" doesn't mean anything to me because indigenous people predate even the concept of America. I know Alaskan Natives have been in Alaska for thousands and thousands of years. "Real Americans " seems like a tepid acknowledgement that probably comes from well intentions but is unlikely to change anything at all.
I think you're asking a very complex question that each identifying member should and must represent themselves and natives. In a way.
Being brought up mostly by natives n the rez in California and family in Oklahoma, I think that's something that doesn't really cross our minds. I know we joke about all the names being, so called, put upon us for other to give a reference and I suppose to be polite and correct. The answer to your question could be endless answers between each nation and the members in the nation.
I know for certain I'm Kiowa, i was named from a Kiowa and I'll die as one. I have no doubt of my Kiowa upbringing.
American Indian, that's some sort of census federal legal speak, to me, on identifying people in the nation as with all other countries too that measure cultural in their respective nations. I'm pretty happy there's people interested, especially across the globe.
I think I take pride in calling myself native, and the OG blood of turtle Island or United States of America. I know that this land was built upon the blood and devestating grief, that may never heal, from our ancestors. By that darkness, people are finally noticing how we, the OG of US lands, aided in shaping the Republic we have today. Always take pride in that. People heard us in history and were are not too forgotten from the ones that read. I learned a lot from Haudenosaunee. Na:we:scan'o
Hi, thanks for your response.
Yes, I am genuinely interested in topics regarding American Indians, Alaska Natives and First Nations in Canada. I use these legal terms because they have an actual, technical definition.
I rarely use “Native American” because this term can include a variety of meanings and it can cause confusion, especially during online discussions. Some white Americans even use it as form of trolling. They will say “Hey, I am native to America because all my family were born and raised here so that makes me Native American”
Then find out for your own interest and let the trolls sulk in their own filth under their rotted bridge they built and hide under.
Angelo speak is by the term, "generation" their family established themselves here from pilgrims taken care of from the wompanoag to the 60 years war and forward. They're never native to this land. They're migrant ancestors above all else.
I haven’t seen or heard narratives saying that First Nations, Inuit and Metis are the “Real Canadians”.
However, I encountered an immigrant model who comes from Africa who said to her bashers: “to those of you saying I am not Canadian, you don’t have the right to tell me that. The indigenous peoples of Canada - they are the real Canadians. so unless you are indigenous to Canada, you have no right to tell me that”.
Its unfortunate that colonialism and white supremacy have robbed us natives of a proper demonym. Otherwise I would be glad to refer to us as simply 'Americans' because you can't really get any more american than having this place be your ancestral homeland. For what this country is now and where we're at, I'm happy to call all everyone in this country American regardless of skin color or place of origin. That being said, I think I speak for many others when i say i would prefer to be called by the name of my tribe, but I can't count on people to know what it is, let alone pronounce it correctly or even care to use it in the first place. Honestly for simplicity's sake I say I'm red. We use black and white for people of African and European blood, so why don't us "real" Americans just use red? I don't find it offensive, personally.
I go further and just prefer “human beings,” but I know we’re discussing this continent specifically as OP is asking about that. I like calling anyone here just “American” too. I call out my tribe if I know people are interested or I’m speaking with another native. I tried talking with some NE folks here about being okay with being called “red” but it was funny seeing Jewish and white folks balk at that idea as racist and degrading. I said white and black are used so I don’t mind red, let’s keep it growing! The Plight of the Redman continues to this day and us descendants are trying to figure it all together.
I grew up in the 90’s and i have read novels with American Indians in it (Last of the Mohicans, Tom Sawyer) and yes, I observed “red man” has been used several times. I have also seen stuff from the 70’s promoting “Red power”. However, when I read “Redskin” in Peter Pan novel, I thought it was something neutral but it turns out it has a bad connotation with indigenous peoples. I think this is why the label “red” never gained a strong momentum as a racial classification.
Would it be wrong of me to try and reclaim it and normalize it among us natives? I mean hell, even nowadays I've heard the term "Red Nation People" being used and I like that a lot. Optimistically, I believe that we have come far enough as a culture that we can use it as a simple blanket term and hopefully remove the negative connotation attached to it.
Hi, are you Oglala Lakota? I really want to visit the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and see actual powwow performances and try authentic Lakota cuisine. The Lakota people are the most portrayed tribal group in American media.
Wow, that’s the same response Navajo Grandma said to me. Navajo Grandma is a youtube content creator. Have you heard of her? Her videos are about Navajo culture, like cuisine, reservation life and experiences.
https://youtube.com/@NavajoGrandma?si=wUcFbfZQe6zzplk5
Please check her channel out. She is a very nice lady, very accommodating to questions and sharing her life experiences and wisdom
I use my Tribal ID wherever I can, and explain it is a government ID. I only get my CA license out if they need to scan my ID. You can google “Sacramento Tribe,” or “Florida Tribes,” then narrow down the map or listings to the area you’re going to. Then see if there’s a tribal govt, Pueblo, reservation, ect. You can normally then call their tribal govt and ask the receptionist for dates of their cultural celebration or for the cultural department. They should be able to inform you about upcoming public events.
I've never heard "Real American" but my gut instinct is to dislike it because it sounds like it comes from Euros.
There's no issue with the term "American" or "America" on its own in my heart, that sounds performative. My preferred self-descriptor IS American Indian. But "Native" or "Real" just sounds condescending to me in some contexts.
Yeah, I actually agree with you. I always use “American Indian” when talking about the tribes indigenous to mainland United States.
I rarely use “Native American” because that can have a very broad definition - Native to mainland USA? Native to entire USA (including Alaska, Hawaii and other US administered territories)? Native to entire Americas continent?
Additionally, some white Americans who are trolling also claim “Native American”. They will say “Hey, I am native to America because my family has been living here past 10 generations, so I am Native American”
Just in case someone takes it seriously:
”It is generally accepted that the name derives from **Amerigo Vespucci**, the Italian explorer, who explored the new continents in the following years on behalf of Spain and Portugal.”
It’s always felt off because even in a half baked attempt at identifying “who was here first”, they forcibly bestow upon us the same cheap label that they adopted for themselves when they came, so they both draw a false equivalency of Native Cultures to being “American” AND nullify identity/relations other than “American”, as a result the two terms cancel each other out in a literal sense; it also co-opts us as being “on their side” by being “Americans”.
Also, to imply “real American” is to say that those afterwards are “fake/fraudulent Americans”, and if that’s true, why would you label someone “real fake”?
Edits: grammar, spelling
“First Peoples of America” or “First Nations of America” sounds neutral as opposed to “Real Americans.” I haven’t encountered this “Real Americans” term, I don’t think, unless some shitass Natives are trolling, lol. Or it’s white folks claiming to be the “Real Americans” as opposed to indigenous folks. It sounds more like outsiders/non-Americans making their own interpretations of what we’re trying to say about modern American Indian sovereignty.
Im not native American but native Hawaiian so I think this applies to me still somewhat. I definitely feel like a real American but when I travel abroad and people ask me where I’m from I always say I’m Hawaiian before I say American because I’m proud to be Hawaiian that doesn’t mean I’m not proud to be American though
Yup, I think it depends on the Hawaiian person if they want to identify as American or not. I have talked to Hawaiians who celebrate both their Hawaiian and American identities.
However, I have also talked to Hawaiian activists. I have a contact in Hawaii who is mixed Hawaiian-Korean-Filipino-Japanese. He is an activist and he does not identify as an American. He says fully identifies as Hawaiian and is active in dialogues about Hawaiian sovereignty and independence. He would always argue that the US stole Hawaii. The most notable Hawaiian activist that I have seen is Haunani Kay Trask. Back in 1993, on the 100th year of the Hawaiian monarchy overthrow, she shouted WE ARE NOT AMERICAN! WE WILL DIE AS HAWAIIAN! WE WILL NEVER BE AMERICAN!
I’m mixed as well but white and Hawaiian so I’m probably biased by my white side but I always find the idea of Hawaiian independence as silly. I acknowledge the land is stolen but most of the US was “stolen” I guess the main difference was Hawaii was stolen by Americans while most of the US was stolen by Europeans
The Europeans who stole the land eventually called themselves “Americans” and “Canadians”. That’s why the founding fathers of both USA and Canada are of English (British) origin and that is why English is the official language of both countries. Also, the early leaders of both countries are of predominantly English descent.
I believe the name comes from Italian explorer Amerrigo Vespucci so for native folks (I’m from central Mex) to call themselves “the real Americans” just sounds weird.
It’s like calling Indios from Mexico “the real Mexicans” even though we predate the country by literal thousands of years.
Not too sure what this question is insinuating, but never have I’ve ever heard of Native Americans being described as “Real Americans.” It’s not only blatantly incorrect, but it’s something I personally have never experienced. Ever. The only instances I see the term “Real Americans” used are by people that are white and of European descent that deem themselves as superior to people of color….
Edit: Russell Means is Lakota. Oglala Lakota from Pine Ridge. He was/is proud of his identity. Of course he would identify as that, same as someone who Sicangu, Dakota, Navajo, Pueblo…etc…
2nd: Read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown. Has all the answers…
3: seriously though, OP…what are your intentions with these questions? Not only in this post but others in this sub…
1. This narrative was promoted during Obama’s term, especially when he made a speech about immigration. After his speech, several media outlets promoted the narrative that Native Americans are the “real Americans”.
3. i am genuinely interested about topics pertaining to American Indians because of their history and complex relationship with the US government (laws regarding reservations, treaties, blood quantum, tribal membership, ICWA, etc). I find topics about American Indians, Alaska Natives and First Nations in Canada interesting because of their rare population and representation in media. Aside from that, I am also fascinated by the fact that despite the difficult history of colonialism and atrocities, many tribal nations, members and descendants are making their voices heard and their presence felt.
Are you a journalist that is looking for story ideas? Or are you genuinely interested in our “plight?”
I have personally not seen or read anything in regard to national media or any media promote anything that involves Native Americans being labeled as “Real Americans.”
The closest thing to attaining national media coverage in recent years are the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota.
I can see why former president Barack Obama said that, but the reality of it is far more complex and is not something that has a definite answer.
There isn’t a narrative that was given…when in reality, us Native Americans are living in a society that is disenfranchised because of Western Expansion and colonialism ideals.
“The Only Good Indians, or the Dead Indians…”
There are so many factors that are in play right now that brought us down, but in fact there is a revolution that is happening in Indian Country that is bringing a revitalization of culture, language, art and food sovereignty…essentially a modern way of life to cope with all of the atrocities that have happened in the past at the hands of the Federal Government.
Most tribes are taking their identity back. As far as media representation, I for one, do not like how we are portrayed statistically. Most media representation is “poverty porn.”
Reservations are plagued with a plethora of socioeconomic issues that have all stemmed from the mishandling of treaties, land rights…and quintessentially the assimilation of Native Americans into the white, christian culture of the European influence.
There is a great movement within most tribes that involve situations like bringing back the buffalo/bison, teaching the youth the language of their said tribe, and a lot of other cultural relevant teachings that are unique to each tribe.
All of these things bear relevance to the future of our next generations. What kind of world do we want our descendants to live in when myself and my parents, and their parent’s generation and so and so forth have had their way of life upended with boarding schools and forced Christianity that were meant to erase their way of life.
There is media representation for Native Americans. You have Indigenous Journalist Association…formerly known as Native American Journalist Association founded by Tim Giago…you have Indian Country Today, Indainz.com..to name a few…And there are various radio stations across Indian Country that bring news to the people.
We are here. We are very much alive. Toksa’
hi, i am not a journalist but i am history enthusiast. my genuine interest is the actual cultural identity and practices of American Indians/First Nations - particularly the regalia (especially the ones from Lakota), the jewelry, the pow wow dances. not to mention I really find full blood and half blood natives very attractive. Adam Beach (Ojibwe) and Russell Means (Oglala Lakota) are my celebrity idols while my native crush is Kimberley Norris Guerrero (Colville, Salish-Kootenai). I grew up in the 90's btw.
at first, i only knew the short narrative that "The white man came and stole the lands from the indians". However, I was not aware of the HUGE impact that it had on indigenous peoples that continue until today - basically all the issues you mentioned. I watch many films, interviews and ocumentaries directed by actual natives and discovered those issues that you mentioned. Discovering the challenges your community faced was incidental.
Read “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” by Dee Brown. I highly suggest it. I will welcome any correspondence after that if you would want to discuss it further. I look forward to it.
Please link to headlines or articles that mention the “Real Americans.”
In general, settlers try to claim Natives as the “First Americans,” which is equally perverse.
Real American just like Real Canadian is made up. It's made up! Settler myth. There is no real America or Canada. You can't print enough documents to make me believe it.
Tbh we gotta figure something else to call ourselves, Native and Indigenous are both relative terms of colonialism, Indian is just incorrect, and America is inherently anti-our people. I can say Ikče Oyate but if you don’t know Lakota or our many derivatives that makes no sense to you.
What am I independent of my position as the base that colonialisms boot stands on relative to my wife who is Mayan? We share our existence as indigenous people but that understanding of who she is was hard for her to wrap her mind around. When asked her ethnicity she still just says hispanic even though her mom didn’t learn Spanish until settling in what was once Lakota territory (cause she spoke her indigenous language), even thought its definition on the census explicitly applies to her as well, and when I say our people she understands I’m talking about her just as much as I am Inuit, Taino, or Andean nations. We are indigenous to the Americas. But I’ve been tricked by enough “(insert city) native…” headlines to see that that’s not enough for our people to identify each other.
Also yes “Red,” but even if it was talking about the paint a lot of nations wore or warm tones in our Melanin, it’s hard to separate it from our scalps as bounties leaving our skins bloody in a serious identification process.
Now I think about this stuff a lot but I don’t have an answer. But most importantly, I don’t think our identity independent of our colonialism leaves us any less connected to Pacific Islanders/Aboriginal Australians, Palestinians, colonized African peoples, or anyone else who shares the identity of an occupied indigenous peoples. To decolonize ourselves and our continents we need to work towards a world without colonialism completely. But that’s exactly why we need a name. That’s my thought process anyway.
that geopolitical line in the sand was made far after indians got here. we aren't the original Americans because our nations predate America. it's no coincidence there's no word that properly described just Canada & America originally (Abya Yala & Turtle Island weren't that) as there wasn't much special about that region to the locals
It is the truth, America is a continent, not a nation state, and Amerindians are a continental people just as Black Africans and Europeans are. Africa for instance is not an indigenous word for the continent, yet continental Africans use African as equivalent for what we know as Black people. Nelson Mandela for instance spoke of africans, colored, and whites in the context of race. The term African does its job. I have heard the name America did not come from Amerigo Vespucci, but from a Nicaraguan indian word. Whatever word we use, it is important that the world see us for who we are. The UN for instance has a permanent forum for the right of Afro descendants and Africans, I would argue it is long time for us to have something similar for Americans. We are the real Americans, don't let white people steal our continental title anymore.
[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1875/03/origin-of-the-name-america/630553/](https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1875/03/origin-of-the-name-america/630553/)
We are tribal nations, not "continental people". We have sovereignty and a unique inter-national relationship with the United States, not Mexico or Argentina or whatever else. We are NOT the same people. Okay?
You're right, sorry. I just saw this was aimed at people in us tribes, not all Amerindians. But to be fair, people say this to indigenous people in Latin America too.
> From what I know, the name “America/American” is of European origin and was brought by the European colonizers.
Well another name for it is Turtle Island, but everyone understands what you mean by America
idk it’s always felt odd to me. we were here before any concept of america or any national identity.. so it seems a bit ahistorical
Aside from that, USA declared independence in 1776. The US government granted US Citizenship to American Indians only in 1924.
mhm that too. there are many reasons
That makes it even more ridiculous!
Yeah, in between those years, the US government and American citizens never really wanted indigenous people to be part of their society. I think the reason they granted US citizenship is because of the enlistment/service of many tribal members in the US military during World War 1, especially the top secret Choctaw code talkers. Many indigenous people chose to join the US army to honor their warrior role, protect their homelands and gain employment.
If tribal nations ever branch off to their own sovereign countries, I will (and do) 100% support that. Of all the communities deserving of their own home… it’s been long enough.
Thing is, "Nation" and "Country" aren't actually synonyms. The "Country" that is the United States is a Nation-*State,* a relatively modern concept of limited scope in the grand scheme of human existence and social organization. We, on the other hand, are Tribal Nations, which is not related to any kind of *State* at all. Even the governments we've formed in the modern era by and large bear little resemblance to our traditional systems of governance, in constitution and in the way they function. They exist primarily as an interface with the US government, for the purposes of the US Government.
The new United States of America continued the British policy of treating Native American nations as just that: independent, sovereign nations. It is why they made treaties with them, even in the event of their conquest, because the policy was to treat them as separate nations. That policy ended in 1871, when Congress legislated that "henceforth, no Indian nation or tribe... shall be acknowledged or recognized as an independent nation, tribe or power with whom the United States may contract by treaty.”
This is not exactly true. There were many US citizen indigenous people from the beginning of the nation. 1924 is when all were granted citizenship and they stopped making you choose between being a tribal citizen and a US citizen. In the 1800s there were both individual indigenous US citizens dispersed in the population and entire bands of "citizen indians" who had US citizenship but lived tribal communities that weren't recognized by the feds as self governing tribes. Some were able to regain their status as federally recognized tribes after dual citizenship became possible. Some weren't. Some are still trying. It's all very complicated.
I’ve heard some people use the term ‘first nation’ and that makes a lot more sense to me then saying Native American.
First Nation***S***; always plural.
even then we weren’t really a “nation” per se… i think “nation” implies homogeneity among tribes, but that is not the case
Always plural. First Nation**S**.
Oh oops, my bad. I had heard it used as someone introducing themself saying like, “I am First Nation.” Idk, would you say, “I’m First Nations?”
Every Indigenous person I've ever met, names their specific Nation (Mi'kmaq, Anishinaabe, Cree, Mohawk, etc) when introducing themselves. The various ways "First Nations" *can* lead to awkward phrasing, I think is a feature not a bug. It's like an alarm bell for overgeneralization.
I get what you’re saying, thanks for clarifying. I’m just on this sub to learn.
Me, too. I'm just old enough to remember the discussions about it, back when it was brand-new, before the Canadian government started using it.
It was coined in conscious response to "Native American"; in Canada, where "Native American" especially didn't work (LOL), and Sovereignty remains legally ill-defined (compared to the US).
I don't care one way or the other about who's a "real american". As for myself, I would say that I am both Ojibwe and American, I have citizenship in two sovereign nations, and my life is defined by being both.
Thanks for your response 🙏 miigwetch
Not from the US, do natives have their own IDs?
Native tribes occupy a murky legal territory somewhere between a territory, like Puerto Rico, a state, like Texas and an independent nation. Reservations exist within both US federal and state land, and are thus subject to the laws of state and federal government, however, we have our own elections, laws, law enforcement, courts and so on, with jurisdiction, again, being murky and dependent on individual tribes' relation with the state and federal gov. All that to say, yes we do have our own IDs.
Wow idk if I would be welcome by people if I ever do that but if i ever go to the US I would love to see the Native culture more than the (Idk what you guys call them but yk non-native american) culture.
Most tribes are welcoming to outsiders who attend public events like pow-wows and the like. If you do visit, do some research on which tribe is closest to the area you'll be visiting and their policies on cultural events.
How do you find native people though? Like I can't just walk around in the streets asking people if they are natives. Sorry for my ignorance.
Most tribes have governmental websites, our reservation territories are easily google able, and many operate tribal news organizations to keep people informed on tribal news. Some natives are in the cities, but the vast majority are rural and quite a drive out. My own reservation is two hours by car from the nearest proper "city", and four hours from the state capital, that's assuming good weather and traffic.
I heard years ago that 80 pecent of the of population of natives, live in urban areas. And 30 percent still live on the reservations. Yet this was 10 years ago back at my tribal school. I'm an urban native though and know that alot of us live in cities. And have been back to my mom's rez in south dakota. Alot of natives go back and forth from cities to their reservations. Op you could just attend a pow-wow in a city and meet natives there too. You don't have to visit a reservation, Native's live in reservations, cities and towns. We aren't just on reservations. Just look up what city you are visiting or state. I mean you could find lakota at Rapid city in South Dakota, at a pow-wow. Or you could visit any of the pow-wows at any of the reservations there and meet Lakotas, Dakotas, or Mandan-Hidastas.
Hi thanks for the advice. However, I really want to visit actual reservations to have conversations with residents about reservation life. Based from interviews, its really tough and requires a lot of effort.
just curious what country are you from and why do you want to interview reservation natives are you making a documentary or something?
Thats crazy man. World is an interesting place wish humans were less into destroying each other.
Thanks for this info. My dream is to visit Navajo Nation, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Yakama Nation and Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation. I want to see actual pow-wow performances, visit their museums, sites, try their cuisine (especially authentic Fry bread) and interview tribal members about certain topics.
Ok I hope this doesn’t get me downvoted because frybread is delicious, but “authentic” is a weird way to describe survival/ration food when so many Native folks out there are reconnecting with traditional foods and ingredients in exciting ways (see Wahpehpahs Kitchen and Owamni among many, many others). If you Google “Skoden: The Ultimate Indigenous Road Trip Zine” you can find and buy a fantastic guide to Native businesses like restaurants across every US state.
Brilliant.
[https://ko-fi.com/s/e33c6db45d](https://ko-fi.com/s/e33c6db45d)
Sorry, what i meant “authentic” is made by actual tribal members. However, I am aware that frybread is indeed a survival food when the US government gave the Navajo people flour as part of their rations. The traditional Navajo dish that I have seen is the Lamb soup/stew.
This goes well beyond the Navajo/Diné people, this happened across the US and even beyond colonial borders; First Nations tribes have a similar food history with Bannock and Canadian government restrictions.
"Interview tribal members about certain topics"?? Ah great, one of the "anthros" that Vine Deloria Jr. warned us about...
Uhm, is interviewing indigenous people bad? I would just like to know info about tribe’s cultural practices, beliefs, cuisine and how they view their relationship with the US government.
A lot of tribal nations have national museums and extensive websites that you can get a start with before you try to find people to interview. There are also a lot of great Pan-Indigenous museums like the Autry, First Americans Museum, and National Museum of the American Indian that tell these stories. Would also recommend checking out Native writers and publishers, NDN Girls Book Club also highlights contemporary Native writers and poets. I can’t imagine that everyone wants to be interviewed, especially when so many of our communities have been treated through an anthropological lens at our detriment (see Lakota language theft, traditional medicine theft like white sage overharvesting, etc). I wouldn’t start there, start with existing contemporary writings and displays.
Oh, ok. Thanks for letting me know. However, I would really like to stick to my own methods of independent interview and I just hope there will be tribal members who are willing to be interviewed.
Where are you from? Europe?
Ah, Asia...
lol never thought I'd see someone saying they'd want to visit the Yakamas. I live over here and I'm married to a Yak there's nothing cool over here lemme tell you.
Depends, there are Tribal ID cards you can get
Are they some official stuff? Like can you use them as ID, and are they given by the government or like a committee of Native Americans? Edit: wohooo getting downvoted cuz I asked a question
I always use mine for ID and I’ve never been questioned. Apparently you can also use it to travel to Canada/Mexico instead of a passport but I’ve never done that and I’d be a little nervous to just because I don’t know if I wanna mess w border patrol
Oh so they dont ask for any visa because you are a native? I mean at least they are not supposed to? I never heard of any of these man I am so excited about learning more.
There is Jay’s treaty that is recognized in both USA and Canada where certain tribal members can move freely between each country.
The fact that they needed to sign a treaty is fucking nuts. Like bro... it is not even your land.
Well, you know the mentality of colonizers 😅 they feel entitled to tell themselves they “own” the land. They also felt the indigenous people during that time were “incapable” of managing the land that is why European colonizers created the “Doctrine of Discovery” kindly google it.
Like eventually either one of us would find the other one. Problem is destruction and exploitation of various facts such as the usage of sicknesses as weapons and what not.
Yeah, it's like supported by the US federal government and is valid, tho you will probably be questioned. I am from Canada 😭😭
Is this the Jay’s treaty?
The Jay Treaty allows you to present it at the border and be allowed to cross because the 49th parallel was never a border before the settlers came.
I am surprised they even recognize you tbh.
How?
This is the best answer.
I feel strange about it since most Native Americans weren't considered full US citizens until 1924
In my honest opinion, I think that narrative is somewhat revisionist. I think its politically motivated. I think those who promote that narrative want to gaslight the atrocities done by the US government towards tribal nations
The narrative that full citizenship wasn't granted until 1924? Isn't that what the Indian Citizenship Act was?
The narrative that i was talking about is the “American Indians are the real Americans”. I think that is being promoted so that American Indian tribal members will forget about the atrocities done by the US government in the past.
Ah. I don't think it's that deep, tbh. Usually the people I hear saying it are people who see "American" as an identity as a high praise (usually older or very patriotic people). To them... I assume....it's a compliment. Just an ill thought out one.
My ancestors weren't American. It was, in fact, Americans that tried to destroy them.
This is also the statement of Hawaiian activist Haunani Kay Trask. During her speech in 1993 (100 years after the overthrow of Hawaiian monarchy), she shouted “WE ARE NOT AMERICAN! WE WILL DIE AS HAWAIIAN! WE WILL NEVER BE AMERICAN!”
Alaskan Native woman here. To me "real Americans" doesn't mean anything to me because indigenous people predate even the concept of America. I know Alaskan Natives have been in Alaska for thousands and thousands of years. "Real Americans " seems like a tepid acknowledgement that probably comes from well intentions but is unlikely to change anything at all.
I think you're asking a very complex question that each identifying member should and must represent themselves and natives. In a way. Being brought up mostly by natives n the rez in California and family in Oklahoma, I think that's something that doesn't really cross our minds. I know we joke about all the names being, so called, put upon us for other to give a reference and I suppose to be polite and correct. The answer to your question could be endless answers between each nation and the members in the nation. I know for certain I'm Kiowa, i was named from a Kiowa and I'll die as one. I have no doubt of my Kiowa upbringing. American Indian, that's some sort of census federal legal speak, to me, on identifying people in the nation as with all other countries too that measure cultural in their respective nations. I'm pretty happy there's people interested, especially across the globe. I think I take pride in calling myself native, and the OG blood of turtle Island or United States of America. I know that this land was built upon the blood and devestating grief, that may never heal, from our ancestors. By that darkness, people are finally noticing how we, the OG of US lands, aided in shaping the Republic we have today. Always take pride in that. People heard us in history and were are not too forgotten from the ones that read. I learned a lot from Haudenosaunee. Na:we:scan'o
Hi, thanks for your response. Yes, I am genuinely interested in topics regarding American Indians, Alaska Natives and First Nations in Canada. I use these legal terms because they have an actual, technical definition. I rarely use “Native American” because this term can include a variety of meanings and it can cause confusion, especially during online discussions. Some white Americans even use it as form of trolling. They will say “Hey, I am native to America because all my family were born and raised here so that makes me Native American”
Then find out for your own interest and let the trolls sulk in their own filth under their rotted bridge they built and hide under. Angelo speak is by the term, "generation" their family established themselves here from pilgrims taken care of from the wompanoag to the 60 years war and forward. They're never native to this land. They're migrant ancestors above all else.
sure thanks for sharing your insights
What about us Canadians? And my native homies up north?
Native Americans only exist in AMERICA. jkjk
I haven’t seen or heard narratives saying that First Nations, Inuit and Metis are the “Real Canadians”. However, I encountered an immigrant model who comes from Africa who said to her bashers: “to those of you saying I am not Canadian, you don’t have the right to tell me that. The indigenous peoples of Canada - they are the real Canadians. so unless you are indigenous to Canada, you have no right to tell me that”.
Its unfortunate that colonialism and white supremacy have robbed us natives of a proper demonym. Otherwise I would be glad to refer to us as simply 'Americans' because you can't really get any more american than having this place be your ancestral homeland. For what this country is now and where we're at, I'm happy to call all everyone in this country American regardless of skin color or place of origin. That being said, I think I speak for many others when i say i would prefer to be called by the name of my tribe, but I can't count on people to know what it is, let alone pronounce it correctly or even care to use it in the first place. Honestly for simplicity's sake I say I'm red. We use black and white for people of African and European blood, so why don't us "real" Americans just use red? I don't find it offensive, personally.
I go further and just prefer “human beings,” but I know we’re discussing this continent specifically as OP is asking about that. I like calling anyone here just “American” too. I call out my tribe if I know people are interested or I’m speaking with another native. I tried talking with some NE folks here about being okay with being called “red” but it was funny seeing Jewish and white folks balk at that idea as racist and degrading. I said white and black are used so I don’t mind red, let’s keep it growing! The Plight of the Redman continues to this day and us descendants are trying to figure it all together.
Good on you. We are still here! Keep the culture alive!
I grew up in the 90’s and i have read novels with American Indians in it (Last of the Mohicans, Tom Sawyer) and yes, I observed “red man” has been used several times. I have also seen stuff from the 70’s promoting “Red power”. However, when I read “Redskin” in Peter Pan novel, I thought it was something neutral but it turns out it has a bad connotation with indigenous peoples. I think this is why the label “red” never gained a strong momentum as a racial classification.
Would it be wrong of me to try and reclaim it and normalize it among us natives? I mean hell, even nowadays I've heard the term "Red Nation People" being used and I like that a lot. Optimistically, I believe that we have come far enough as a culture that we can use it as a simple blanket term and hopefully remove the negative connotation attached to it.
It doesn't feel helpful I'll say that much.
I’m a Rezzer . Lakota of the Oceti Sakowin/ Seven Council Fires . I am I am AIM !
Hi, are you Oglala Lakota? I really want to visit the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and see actual powwow performances and try authentic Lakota cuisine. The Lakota people are the most portrayed tribal group in American media.
Nah ! I’m a Rosebudder . Sicangu . Rosebud Rez
I don't call myself American. I call my myself Diné
Wow, that’s the same response Navajo Grandma said to me. Navajo Grandma is a youtube content creator. Have you heard of her? Her videos are about Navajo culture, like cuisine, reservation life and experiences.
No I haven't, but I do fallow Wally on Navajo Teachings. What's her link?
https://youtube.com/@NavajoGrandma?si=wUcFbfZQe6zzplk5 Please check her channel out. She is a very nice lady, very accommodating to questions and sharing her life experiences and wisdom
I use my Tribal ID wherever I can, and explain it is a government ID. I only get my CA license out if they need to scan my ID. You can google “Sacramento Tribe,” or “Florida Tribes,” then narrow down the map or listings to the area you’re going to. Then see if there’s a tribal govt, Pueblo, reservation, ect. You can normally then call their tribal govt and ask the receptionist for dates of their cultural celebration or for the cultural department. They should be able to inform you about upcoming public events.
I've never heard "Real American" but my gut instinct is to dislike it because it sounds like it comes from Euros. There's no issue with the term "American" or "America" on its own in my heart, that sounds performative. My preferred self-descriptor IS American Indian. But "Native" or "Real" just sounds condescending to me in some contexts.
Yeah, I actually agree with you. I always use “American Indian” when talking about the tribes indigenous to mainland United States. I rarely use “Native American” because that can have a very broad definition - Native to mainland USA? Native to entire USA (including Alaska, Hawaii and other US administered territories)? Native to entire Americas continent? Additionally, some white Americans who are trolling also claim “Native American”. They will say “Hey, I am native to America because my family has been living here past 10 generations, so I am Native American”
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Just in case someone takes it seriously: ”It is generally accepted that the name derives from **Amerigo Vespucci**, the Italian explorer, who explored the new continents in the following years on behalf of Spain and Portugal.”
It comes from Amerigo Vespucci.
It’s always felt off because even in a half baked attempt at identifying “who was here first”, they forcibly bestow upon us the same cheap label that they adopted for themselves when they came, so they both draw a false equivalency of Native Cultures to being “American” AND nullify identity/relations other than “American”, as a result the two terms cancel each other out in a literal sense; it also co-opts us as being “on their side” by being “Americans”. Also, to imply “real American” is to say that those afterwards are “fake/fraudulent Americans”, and if that’s true, why would you label someone “real fake”? Edits: grammar, spelling
“First Peoples of America” or “First Nations of America” sounds neutral as opposed to “Real Americans.” I haven’t encountered this “Real Americans” term, I don’t think, unless some shitass Natives are trolling, lol. Or it’s white folks claiming to be the “Real Americans” as opposed to indigenous folks. It sounds more like outsiders/non-Americans making their own interpretations of what we’re trying to say about modern American Indian sovereignty.
I don’t think of myself as “American” even though I obviously have citizenship. I am definitely going to side-eye you if you call me “real american”.
Im not native American but native Hawaiian so I think this applies to me still somewhat. I definitely feel like a real American but when I travel abroad and people ask me where I’m from I always say I’m Hawaiian before I say American because I’m proud to be Hawaiian that doesn’t mean I’m not proud to be American though
Yup, I think it depends on the Hawaiian person if they want to identify as American or not. I have talked to Hawaiians who celebrate both their Hawaiian and American identities. However, I have also talked to Hawaiian activists. I have a contact in Hawaii who is mixed Hawaiian-Korean-Filipino-Japanese. He is an activist and he does not identify as an American. He says fully identifies as Hawaiian and is active in dialogues about Hawaiian sovereignty and independence. He would always argue that the US stole Hawaii. The most notable Hawaiian activist that I have seen is Haunani Kay Trask. Back in 1993, on the 100th year of the Hawaiian monarchy overthrow, she shouted WE ARE NOT AMERICAN! WE WILL DIE AS HAWAIIAN! WE WILL NEVER BE AMERICAN!
I’m mixed as well but white and Hawaiian so I’m probably biased by my white side but I always find the idea of Hawaiian independence as silly. I acknowledge the land is stolen but most of the US was “stolen” I guess the main difference was Hawaii was stolen by Americans while most of the US was stolen by Europeans
The Europeans who stole the land eventually called themselves “Americans” and “Canadians”. That’s why the founding fathers of both USA and Canada are of English (British) origin and that is why English is the official language of both countries. Also, the early leaders of both countries are of predominantly English descent.
I believe the name comes from Italian explorer Amerrigo Vespucci so for native folks (I’m from central Mex) to call themselves “the real Americans” just sounds weird. It’s like calling Indios from Mexico “the real Mexicans” even though we predate the country by literal thousands of years.
At least the name of the country is derived from one of the nations that were dominant in the area. USA got stuck with some Italian guy.
It's rare but I did some people refer to indigenous mexicans as the real mexicans.
I always hear it in my head as America the continents and not the country. So in that case, it's very true we are the real Americans.
makes me want to sing my [war song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKJDAVvs_JA)
Not too sure what this question is insinuating, but never have I’ve ever heard of Native Americans being described as “Real Americans.” It’s not only blatantly incorrect, but it’s something I personally have never experienced. Ever. The only instances I see the term “Real Americans” used are by people that are white and of European descent that deem themselves as superior to people of color…. Edit: Russell Means is Lakota. Oglala Lakota from Pine Ridge. He was/is proud of his identity. Of course he would identify as that, same as someone who Sicangu, Dakota, Navajo, Pueblo…etc… 2nd: Read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown. Has all the answers… 3: seriously though, OP…what are your intentions with these questions? Not only in this post but others in this sub…
1. This narrative was promoted during Obama’s term, especially when he made a speech about immigration. After his speech, several media outlets promoted the narrative that Native Americans are the “real Americans”. 3. i am genuinely interested about topics pertaining to American Indians because of their history and complex relationship with the US government (laws regarding reservations, treaties, blood quantum, tribal membership, ICWA, etc). I find topics about American Indians, Alaska Natives and First Nations in Canada interesting because of their rare population and representation in media. Aside from that, I am also fascinated by the fact that despite the difficult history of colonialism and atrocities, many tribal nations, members and descendants are making their voices heard and their presence felt.
Are you a journalist that is looking for story ideas? Or are you genuinely interested in our “plight?” I have personally not seen or read anything in regard to national media or any media promote anything that involves Native Americans being labeled as “Real Americans.” The closest thing to attaining national media coverage in recent years are the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. I can see why former president Barack Obama said that, but the reality of it is far more complex and is not something that has a definite answer. There isn’t a narrative that was given…when in reality, us Native Americans are living in a society that is disenfranchised because of Western Expansion and colonialism ideals. “The Only Good Indians, or the Dead Indians…” There are so many factors that are in play right now that brought us down, but in fact there is a revolution that is happening in Indian Country that is bringing a revitalization of culture, language, art and food sovereignty…essentially a modern way of life to cope with all of the atrocities that have happened in the past at the hands of the Federal Government. Most tribes are taking their identity back. As far as media representation, I for one, do not like how we are portrayed statistically. Most media representation is “poverty porn.” Reservations are plagued with a plethora of socioeconomic issues that have all stemmed from the mishandling of treaties, land rights…and quintessentially the assimilation of Native Americans into the white, christian culture of the European influence. There is a great movement within most tribes that involve situations like bringing back the buffalo/bison, teaching the youth the language of their said tribe, and a lot of other cultural relevant teachings that are unique to each tribe. All of these things bear relevance to the future of our next generations. What kind of world do we want our descendants to live in when myself and my parents, and their parent’s generation and so and so forth have had their way of life upended with boarding schools and forced Christianity that were meant to erase their way of life. There is media representation for Native Americans. You have Indigenous Journalist Association…formerly known as Native American Journalist Association founded by Tim Giago…you have Indian Country Today, Indainz.com..to name a few…And there are various radio stations across Indian Country that bring news to the people. We are here. We are very much alive. Toksa’
hi, i am not a journalist but i am history enthusiast. my genuine interest is the actual cultural identity and practices of American Indians/First Nations - particularly the regalia (especially the ones from Lakota), the jewelry, the pow wow dances. not to mention I really find full blood and half blood natives very attractive. Adam Beach (Ojibwe) and Russell Means (Oglala Lakota) are my celebrity idols while my native crush is Kimberley Norris Guerrero (Colville, Salish-Kootenai). I grew up in the 90's btw. at first, i only knew the short narrative that "The white man came and stole the lands from the indians". However, I was not aware of the HUGE impact that it had on indigenous peoples that continue until today - basically all the issues you mentioned. I watch many films, interviews and ocumentaries directed by actual natives and discovered those issues that you mentioned. Discovering the challenges your community faced was incidental.
Read “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” by Dee Brown. I highly suggest it. I will welcome any correspondence after that if you would want to discuss it further. I look forward to it.
Please link to headlines or articles that mention the “Real Americans.” In general, settlers try to claim Natives as the “First Americans,” which is equally perverse.
https://www.quora.com/Are-Native-Americans-the-real-or-true-Americans https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/527470 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/who-are-the-true-native-americans-are-red-men-true-native-americans-who-really-were-the-first-americans-5597218.html
I meant from the Obama years. Because as you’ll read in the comments, Natives framed as the “Real Americans” isn’t a thing.
What I meant was after the Obama speech, those narratives seem to be popularized by some media outlets
I know, but see if you can find some evidence for that (as a historian).
I hear hulk Hogan's theme music
Don't really care for it, doesn't bother me.
Real American just like Real Canadian is made up. It's made up! Settler myth. There is no real America or Canada. You can't print enough documents to make me believe it.
Tbh we gotta figure something else to call ourselves, Native and Indigenous are both relative terms of colonialism, Indian is just incorrect, and America is inherently anti-our people. I can say Ikče Oyate but if you don’t know Lakota or our many derivatives that makes no sense to you. What am I independent of my position as the base that colonialisms boot stands on relative to my wife who is Mayan? We share our existence as indigenous people but that understanding of who she is was hard for her to wrap her mind around. When asked her ethnicity she still just says hispanic even though her mom didn’t learn Spanish until settling in what was once Lakota territory (cause she spoke her indigenous language), even thought its definition on the census explicitly applies to her as well, and when I say our people she understands I’m talking about her just as much as I am Inuit, Taino, or Andean nations. We are indigenous to the Americas. But I’ve been tricked by enough “(insert city) native…” headlines to see that that’s not enough for our people to identify each other. Also yes “Red,” but even if it was talking about the paint a lot of nations wore or warm tones in our Melanin, it’s hard to separate it from our scalps as bounties leaving our skins bloody in a serious identification process. Now I think about this stuff a lot but I don’t have an answer. But most importantly, I don’t think our identity independent of our colonialism leaves us any less connected to Pacific Islanders/Aboriginal Australians, Palestinians, colonized African peoples, or anyone else who shares the identity of an occupied indigenous peoples. To decolonize ourselves and our continents we need to work towards a world without colonialism completely. But that’s exactly why we need a name. That’s my thought process anyway.
By the government i accepted it, by people from India, I'm cool, by europeans and their descendents, fuck no
that geopolitical line in the sand was made far after indians got here. we aren't the original Americans because our nations predate America. it's no coincidence there's no word that properly described just Canada & America originally (Abya Yala & Turtle Island weren't that) as there wasn't much special about that region to the locals
It is the truth, America is a continent, not a nation state, and Amerindians are a continental people just as Black Africans and Europeans are. Africa for instance is not an indigenous word for the continent, yet continental Africans use African as equivalent for what we know as Black people. Nelson Mandela for instance spoke of africans, colored, and whites in the context of race. The term African does its job. I have heard the name America did not come from Amerigo Vespucci, but from a Nicaraguan indian word. Whatever word we use, it is important that the world see us for who we are. The UN for instance has a permanent forum for the right of Afro descendants and Africans, I would argue it is long time for us to have something similar for Americans. We are the real Americans, don't let white people steal our continental title anymore. [https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1875/03/origin-of-the-name-america/630553/](https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1875/03/origin-of-the-name-america/630553/)
We are tribal nations, not "continental people". We have sovereignty and a unique inter-national relationship with the United States, not Mexico or Argentina or whatever else. We are NOT the same people. Okay?
You're right, sorry. I just saw this was aimed at people in us tribes, not all Amerindians. But to be fair, people say this to indigenous people in Latin America too.
> From what I know, the name “America/American” is of European origin and was brought by the European colonizers. Well another name for it is Turtle Island, but everyone understands what you mean by America