Native American

A term used to describe the collective tribes across the continental United States and Alaska.

The Indigenous Journalists Association explains the term gained traction in the 1960s, and may be used to describe two or more individuals of different tribal affiliations. It is used interchangeably with American Indian, as people of different tribal affiliations and ages have different preferences.

However, the preference is always to be as specific as possible and to use tribal names over terms such as Native American or American Indiana.

EAPM suggests following the style of IJA. It suggests asking individuals their tribal affiliation and using individual tribal affiliation for identification rather than using Native American and identifying tribes by their names whenever possible.

From IJA:

While many Indigenous people share a common history of oppression and colonialism, tribal nations are tribal nations are diverse and different. Failing to use the actual name of the tribe you are reporting on is neither accurate, fair, nor thorough and undermines the diversity by erasing the tribe’s identity.

Journalists should identify indigenous people by their specific tribes, nations, or communities. Headlines and text should also refer to tribes by their proper name, not catch-all phrases like Oklahoma Native American Tribe or Native American Group.

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