It's since been widely used by those who prefer to eliminate the "Indian" pejorative entirely.ĭr. The term Native American also began to emerge during this period. By the late 1960s, advocacy groups began using a new name that appropriated the controversial term, calling themselves the American Indian Movement. Many see it as a reminder of the country's brutal colonial past, based on a pejorative understanding of the indigenous culture. The term "Indian" has been troublesome ever since. RELATED: Kennewick Man to Receive Native American Burial He referred to the indigenous people as Indians, and subsequent settlers repeated the mistake. As such, many will instead identify themselves by tribe name - such as Navajo or Cherokee.Īs to how the name "Indian" got introduced in the first place, most people know this story: Legend holds that Christopher Columbus arrived in the Caribbean thinking he has reached the Indian Ocean. In fact, there are many indigenous people who reject any general term, contending that the cultural diversity of the North America's various tribes cannot be homogenized. Different people have different preferences regarding terminology in this area. The quick answer is that there is no quick answer. Laura Ling explores the question in today's Seeker Daily report. The terms currently in popular rotation are "Native American," "American Indian" or similar variations. The indigenous people of the United States have been subjected to many different exonyms over the centuries. An exonym is a name, in other words, that foreigners or visitors use. Learn how you can make a difference in the lives of MSU students.Exonym is an useful word: It refers to the name given to a place or group of people by those outside of the place or group. Payne of Missoula, who pledged $1 million, respectively. Among other supporters are Jim and Chris Scott of Billings and the Terry and Patt Projects in Montana, along with a $2 million pledge from the Associated Students of Montana State University. The American Indian Hall at Montana State University was made possible by a $ 12 million from the Kendeda Fund, an organization with a long history of supporting conservation and community led Swank Enterprises was the general contractor on the project, and the architect was Students of MSU, tribal elders from around the region, and interested community members. Organization), our partners at the seven tribal colleges in Montana, the Associated The Department of Native American Studies, the American Indian Council (a student In addition to Dennis Sun Rhodes, the design of the building and grounds were guidedīy a number of important constituents: President Waded Cruzado’s Council of Elders, In its gardens, interact with Indigenous wisdom, and have important conversationsĪbout our collective past, present and future. It welcomes visitors from all backgrounds who want to explore its art, find knowledge The hall also serves as a bridge between American Indian and other cultures on campus. Openly and honestly and find support from faculty, students and staff with shared Students to find a home away from home-a place to laugh and share meals, to speak With dedicated spaces for study, collaboration and ceremony, the hall is home to MSU’sĭepartment of Native American Studies and the American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success Services office, which serves over 800 Native students and provides important resources likeĪcademic advising, tutoring, counseling, advocacy and more.īut the hall is more than an academic and cultural space. Incorporating architectural concepts by MSU alumnus Dennis Sun Rhodes of the NorthernĪrapahoe, the American Indian Hall is both a work of art and educational resource.