Is it Columbus Day? Is it Indigenous Day? What IS an Indigenous? Is it a creature? These are questions not easily answered. As a person born and raised with Native culture and ancestry of this land, I often am asked what we would like to be called. My own perspective, thoughts and answers might not be the same as other Indigenous/Native/American Indian persons. Before I answer that question when asked, I will usually point out the overlooked point that we all are speaking foreign languages not native in origin to this land. All ethnic labels in these languages are the privilege of the primary American/Western society. In today’s more politically correct environment, the opinion of other cultures and ethnic customs are more inclusive in labeling things such as this.
On the reservations today, when the English language is primarily spoken, the Native populations seem to call each other “Native” a lot. The word “Indian” is also heard a bunch. Each rez has their own take, but there is some commonality.
The label “Indigenous” isn’t quite as popular among us “First Nations people” (as that is a label used in Canada) although it seems to be a trendy label with the younger generations in recent years. As I do with most of my Native culture presentations, I explain that this land is home to many tribal nations with many differing customs and languages comparable to other land masses such as Europe, Africa and Asia.
In my travels to other places in the world, I learned the similarities of groups of people. I’m most familiar with Europe, so I like to use that comparison in my talks. In Germany they call us “Red Indians” or “Indianers.” In Europe, as a brown-skinned “Native American,” if I ask, “What do you want to be called?” to them, they most likely will say whatever they are, “German, French, Serbian, etc.”
Using the same type of perspective here on this land, you will see that the people from Native cultures will be very similar. A predicted response might be, “I’m Ute.” Or, “I’m Cheyenne.” And so forth. A method I’ve heard and seems to be the least confrontational is, “What’s your ethnic background?” That usually eases into a conversation about ethnic labels.
As I stated earlier, this is only my own opinion and thoughts as a mostly reservation-lived Ute/Hopi dude. Some other native tribal people might have a difference in opinion. One common difference of opinion among ancestral Native people is the occasional division of reservation people and non-reservation people.
Most rezzers don’t mind the term “Indian” as it has been used for a long time and is ingrained as an American label for our people, regardless of the accuracy. I’ve had fortunate opportunities in cities to ask actual real Indians from India what they thought about that. Once, I heard in an East Indian accent, “they really need to do something about that,” and we laughed and shrugged. I doubt anything will be done. In any case, in a more personal sense, what should you call me? Whatever you want, except please, don’t call me white.
Now back to Columbus or Indigenous Day labeling. Does it really matter? Who does it really matter to? I’d guess for a lot of common, status-quo working class Americans, it isn’t the biggest deal. It’s an American holiday, and for some it’s a day off from work and that’s it. Another guess is maybe 20% of the American population really values this holiday, so much as to participate in parades or other events recognizing the colonization of the land we live on. Historically, it is to celebrate Christopher Columbus and his famous voyage of discovery, as we are taught in school.
History is important, lest societies repeat mistakes. Indigenous Day is for those who choose to see it in that light, or Columbus Day. Our choices. For me, it’s Monday and I need to remember some stores are closed and I can’t get some needed hunting supplies.
VOICES Radio Hour: A Modern Ute Experience will air on KDNK on Friday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 7pm. You can listen to past episodes of VOICES Radio Hour at
voicesrfv.org/voices-radio-hour
Skyler Lomahaftewa is an enrolled member of the Ute Tribe of the Uinta and Ouray Agency located in northeastern Utah on his mother’s side, and of Hopi/Choctaw descendancy on his fathers’ side. Skyler is the Bear Dance Chief of Randlette in Utah. He grew up with traditional cultural influence and moved to the Roaring Fork Valley many years ago to follow another passion of his, snowboarding. Skyler works as a snowboard instructor for the Aspen Skiing Company.