Dr. Dennis Seymour, chair of the Baltimore American Indian Center, stands along the shore of the Severn River near his home in Annapolis, Md. Seymour says the center plays a key role in preserving his heritage. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Thank you for reaching out about this. We follow the AP Style as well as federal guidance, both of which note that both the terms “American Indian” and “Native American” are appropriate to use.
On top of that, we follow guidance set in place by the National Park Service that was developed by a consultant on tribal affairs. According to that guidance, the term “Native American,” in the Chesapeake Bay region, is thought of by many as a term created by the federal government to lump all indigenous peoples together. For that reason, and because many regional tribes include the word “Indian” in their name, many prefer the term “American Indian.” For example, the cultural center mentioned in this article is officially called the Baltimore American Indian Center. Unless we know that the person we’re interviewing or the tribe they belong to prefers otherwise, we use the term “American Indian.”
I would like to state that, the people to whom you are referring are not American Indian. The correct name is Native American. American Indians are people who are of Indian decent but were born in America. Its 2019. Everyone knows about Columbus' big mistake. Please correct this going forward. Thanks
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
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Thank you for reaching out about this. We follow the AP Style as well as federal guidance, both of which note that both the terms “American Indian” and “Native American” are appropriate to use.
On top of that, we follow guidance set in place by the National Park Service that was developed by a consultant on tribal affairs. According to that guidance, the term “Native American,” in the Chesapeake Bay region, is thought of by many as a term created by the federal government to lump all indigenous peoples together. For that reason, and because many regional tribes include the word “Indian” in their name, many prefer the term “American Indian.” For example, the cultural center mentioned in this article is officially called the Baltimore American Indian Center. Unless we know that the person we’re interviewing or the tribe they belong to prefers otherwise, we use the term “American Indian.”
I would like to state that, the people to whom you are referring are not American Indian. The correct name is Native American. American Indians are people who are of Indian decent but were born in America. Its 2019. Everyone knows about Columbus' big mistake. Please correct this going forward. Thanks
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
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