Q: I want to insult a Native American. What is the best way to do it?
A: Well, there are many, many ways. Try using one of these words: redskin, squaw, primitive, red indian, skin, injun, and the always-favorite, “savage.” Many of us don’t even like the term “indian.” Why not just call us what we are: First Peoples or, if you must assign a nation to us, Native Americans. It’s always best to just call us by our individual names.
Q: How long have Native Americans been around?
A: Most of our legends tell us that we have always been here. Typically, these legends tell us that we sprang from the earth or the sky at the time Grandfather wished us to come into existence. There many, many such legends. Modern science tells us that the First Peoples of North and South America crossed a land bridge across the Bering Strait somewhere around 20,000 years ago. However, there is no evidence one way or the other.
Q: I met a person who said he/she was Native American but he/she sure didn’t look like it. What’s up with that?
A: Yikes! This may come as a major surprise, but we all don’t look alike. In America, the media has portrayed the image of Native Americans as they appear in the Plains and Southwest. My people, for example, are from Canada and look quite different from our Plains or Southwestern brothers and sisters. Why, we can even grow hair on our faces! Imagine that! Amazing how Grandfather worked out his plan, isn’t it? Here’s something else to ponder: there are Native Americans with blue eyes! Wonderful, isn’t it?
Q: How many Native Americans live in this country today?
A: This is almost impossible to know because we are so widely scattered and have been so integrated into the broader American cultural landscape. The best guess is around two million. These days, it’s common to meet someone who has some Native American blood running around their system.
Q: How many Native American languages are there?
A: Again,this is very hard to know. It also depends upon how you define the term “language.” Many of our languages are similar, many are not. The best guess is somewhere between 150-200 distinct languages. Many, if not most, of our languages are dying or already dead. There are efforts in place to keep some of these languages alive but it is difficult work.
Q: Is there a Native American religion?
A: Absolutely not! Our path includes all religions and none at all. What we share is a system of beliefs and traditions that bind us together in a unique way. We tend to view religions as a way of separating people instead of bringing them together. Religion is fine, as a matter of individual choice, but it does not apply on the Red Path.
