1. Meaning of Colonialism Native American Indian is a name given to a people who have been colonized. Colonialism refers to when an alien people invades the territory inhabited by people of a different race and culture and they then establish control over these peoples’ educational, political, social, spiritual and economic resources. They write history from their perspective and give names that are usually negative like Mohawk, and Iroquois. There are more than 550 indigenous nations within the U.S. who maintain their sovereignty and cultural identity. They have, for thousands of years, established and maintained their political, social, educational, spiritual, and economic, foundations. First Nation People also have intellectual domination over their culture. So, the name Native American Indian does not fit these people..

2. Linguistics-Imperialism-Sovereignty Indian is defined as “a native inhabitant of the subcontinent of East Indies” in Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary. The dictionary defines indigenous as, “having originated in…or living naturally in a particular region or environment”. Native American is for anyone born in the United States. First Nation People suggests that such persons are the original peoples of the land and hold aboriginal title to lands they occupy.

3. Oppression Subjugates and Controls the Identity of Indigenous People The name Native American Indian is a threat to sovereignty and nationhood of Indigenous Peoples because it undermines our right to use our tribal affiliation as our pre-eminent national identity. These terms also assume our original identity as indigenous peoples, who are the First Nation Peoples of this land. It implies we are foreigners in our own land or Indians from another land. Native American Indian was a name used in the twentieth century. Before then, the names were “war- like, viscous, savages, red skins, and the like.

4. Empowering Descriptors For the twenty-first century, it will be First Nation People or Indigenous People. It is a name given by the Elders who maintain the traditions of First Nation People. The term has a strong, spiritual foundation because it comes from the Elders and includes a belief in a Creator who placed their nations on the land to care for it. It is more than political correctness. It is an act of intellectual liberation that corrects a distortion.

5. Your Assignment: Write an essay or research paper referencing the demeaning names given to First Nation People. The essay must be 10 to 15 pages in length and written in suitable style and form at the senior or at lest junior level of college work. Research paper should integrate and critically consider the body of ideas and thoughts abstracted from the readings and discussions you have on the subject. Demonstrate you have read the literature and have a essential grasp of the subject from a conceptual point of view.