What is the proper term to use: Native American, American Indian, Native, Indigenous People, First Nations, etc.?
The term, “Native American,” came into usage in the 1960’s to denote the groups served by the Bureau of Indian Affairs: American Indians and Alaska Native (Indians, Eskimos and Aleuts of Alaska). Later the term also included Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in some Federal programs. It came into disfavor among some groups. The preferred term is American Indian. The Eskimos and Aleuts in Alaska are two culturally distinct groups and are sensitive about being included under the Indian designation. They prefer Alaska Native. Other names include First Peoples, Indigenous Peoples and the tribal names. In Canada, First Nations and aboriginal are getting more popular. In Central America, many people use indigeno or indigenous. It is a controversy in itself and very complex, and cannot be solved here. Below are some of the definitions used in the USA: Department of Defense Definition IAW DoD Directive 1350.2 – A Native American or Alaskan Native is a person having origins in the original
