Hi Michael - I read this New Yorker article with attention, too. Personally, I like First Nations as a collective term. Governor Bill Anoatubby, head man of the Chickasaw Nation, prefers "First Americans." But my Chickasaw Elder father says it's important to use the collective term "American Indians." Why? U.S. treaties were made with "American Indians," so he says using that term upholds our sovereignty. I call myself Chickasaw.
Thank you so much for your comment. I had never thought of the treaty angle, and it makes a lot of sense. Our Native People have been called worse things, that's for sure! The Declaration of Independence contains a description that might be characterized as the pot calling the kettle black, given the attempts by Jefferson and others to eradicate the native population.
The last of a list of 27 grievances against King George III reads as follows: “He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions.” These words call attention to hard truths about America’s founding that have often been brushed aside.
Hi Michael - I read this New Yorker article with attention, too. Personally, I like First Nations as a collective term. Governor Bill Anoatubby, head man of the Chickasaw Nation, prefers "First Americans." But my Chickasaw Elder father says it's important to use the collective term "American Indians." Why? U.S. treaties were made with "American Indians," so he says using that term upholds our sovereignty. I call myself Chickasaw.
Thank you so much for your comment. I had never thought of the treaty angle, and it makes a lot of sense. Our Native People have been called worse things, that's for sure! The Declaration of Independence contains a description that might be characterized as the pot calling the kettle black, given the attempts by Jefferson and others to eradicate the native population.
The last of a list of 27 grievances against King George III reads as follows: “He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions.” These words call attention to hard truths about America’s founding that have often been brushed aside.
from
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/02/americas-twofold-original-sin/606163/