Supporting and Inspiring Native Youth: Chapter 1

The Landscape: Application

  • Application: Honoring Sovereignty Through Terminology

    “Indian” is the term used in federal law. However, individuals and entire communities may differ in how they would like to be identified (e.g., Indian, American Indian, Native American, AI/AN, Indigenous, First Peoples/First Nations).

    The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) provides guidance on terminology when reporting on or referring to Indigenous peoples. NAJA recommends identifying Indigenous peoples by their specific tribes, nations, or communities.

    You can view the entire guide for more recommendations on appropriate terminology (view document below).

    Incorrect

    • Pope Brings Message of Brotherly Love to Pennsylvania City
    • Asian Country Pushes Legal Overhaul That Would Bolster State Power
    • Native American tribe To Open first Marijuana Resort in The U.S.

     

    Correct

    • Pope brings Message of Brotherly Love to Philadelphia
    • China Pushes Legal Overhaul That Would Bolster State Power
    • Santee Sioux Tribe To Open First Marijuana Resort In The U.S.

     

    1. Native American Journalists Association (2017). Reporting and Indigenous Terminology Guide
  • Application: Honoring Sovereignty and History as Program Staff Members

    Here are some ways you can honor sovereignty when designing programs, building community partnerships, or training mentors:

    • Recognize tribal nations as nations within a nation.
      • Tribal nations can be as different as the nations of Ethiopia and Colombia.
      • Nations have businesses, services, schools, and more.
      • When you talk about a tribal chairperson, they are equivalent to the president of France.
    • Refer to tribal nations by their specific names instead of blanket statements, such as “Native American tribe/group.”
    • Consider sovereignty in your program activities and policies.
      • Sovereignty is alive when a student wants to wear a beaded cap at their graduation ceremony.
      • Sovereignty is embodied when a student misses school for a ceremony.
      • Sovereignty is practiced when students question classroom content that does not reflect who they are.
  • Application: Honoring Sovereignty and History as Mentors

    Honoring the sovereignty of tribal communities begins with education. Learning about the history and context leading to tribal sovereignty in a given community will help mentors understand words, phrases, and situations in which sovereignty is not honored.

    Find out:

    • What Indigenous lands are in your state and local area.
    • How many federally recognized tribes are in your state and local area.
    • The names of the tribal communities in your area and refer to community members using their specific tribal name when possible instead of using generalizing terms, such as “American Indian” and “Native American.”
  • Reflection

    We encourage you to spend some more time thinking about this chapter and how it applies to your role. Download the companion reflection guide to have a printable copy of the following reflection questions for this chapter:

    For all audiences:

    1. Where is tribal land in your state and region? Use the LandMark map to find out. Under “Indigenous & Community Land Maps,” try filtering by “Indigenous Lands – Acknowledged by Government” and “Indigenous Lands – Not acknowledged by Government.”
    2. How many federally recognized tribes are in your state, and where are they? Check out the Federal and State Recognized Tribes Directory from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
    3. How would you define “sovereignty” in your own words?
    4. What are some ways you can honor sovereignty when engaging with AI/AN communities?

Relevant Documents

Appropriate Terminology

Download

Download Companion Reflection Guide

View Additional Resources

Return to the Introduction of The Landscape to view more resources.

The Landscape

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Go onto the next chapter: Critical Mentoring.

Critical Mentoring

Supporting and Inspiring Native Youth

  1. The Landscape
  2. Critical Mentoring
  3. Your Identity
  4. Native Youth Identity
  5. Your Resources
  6. Call to Action

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