We’re transcribing some oral histories about Native Americans and the interviewer is using a term that is outdated now. She says she’s collecting interviews with Indians. Since that’s at least a misnomer from the days when the Spanish and Portuguese explorers thought they were finding a shorter route to “the Indies,” I thought I’d do some research. This link caught my eye in an initial google search: From the Native Governance Center: A Guide Native Governance Center hosted “Language Matters: How to Talk about Native Nations” on May 12, 2021. The event featured moderator Dr. Twyla Baker and panelists Wizipan Little Elk, Bryan Pollard, and Margaret Yellow Bird. Watch the recording from this event in our Resources library.

The introduction talks about the importance of language, and calling people by their preferred name.

Using appropriate terminology to talk about Native nations shows respect for nations’ sovereignty. It also contributes toward Native narrative change. Because language is so important (and we’ve received so many great questions about it from our community over the years), we decided to create an online guide.

Language is sacred. Wizipan Little Elk explains, “In every culture in the world, you get a name. You’re called something. Your people are called something. Your identity is tied up in whatever that name is. Names have the power to create life.” Conversations about terminology and language deserve deep thought and attention; take the process seriously.

I also double checked The Chicago Manual of Style, our preferred style guide.

8.38: Ethnic and national groups and associated adjectives

Chapter Contents / Ethnic, Socioeconomic, and Other Groups

Names of ethnic and national groups are capitalized. Adjectives associated with these names are also capitalized.

At the bottom of a list of examples, CMOS says, “Many among those who trace their roots to the Aboriginal peoples of the Americas prefer American Indians to Native Americans, and in certain historical works Indians may be more appropriate. Canadians often speak of First Peoples (and of First Nations) when not referring to specific groups by name.”

These interviews were done a long time ago, and I do want to preserve the interviewer’s speech as well, so I’ve decided to use Indians [sic].

Anybody have any ideas?