Nanticoke Tribal member discusses proper terminology ahead of their 46th annual Powwow
Appropriate or Appropriation?
Millsboro, De. – Times have changed, but some phrases haven’t. While some words can be taken lightly, other terms can be seen as offensive to underrepresented communities. We’ve all heard the term “Circle the Wagon” or perhaps told someone to sit “Indian style”, but members of many Native American communities say these phrases are hurtful, and many times offensive. The Nanticoke Indian Tribe in Delaware explains how sometimes words can open wounds.
Culture not Costumes
Meeting, session, celebration- three words you can use instead of Powwow according to Past Tribal Council Member Dr. Bonnie Hall. In recent years, the Nanticoke Indian Tribe of Delaware opened up their powwows to the public. While this brings much visibility, Dr. Hall says unfortunately brought uncomfortable incidents like cultural appropriation and inappropriate comments. “This isn’t a party, this is a celebration of Indigenous, Native American culture, ” says Hall. “First of all, that is not a costume. we are not pretending to be something we are not. This is called regalia or attire, and we wear it for special occasions.”
Toxic Terminology
There are many terms we use daily that are considered modern days insults to Native people. One of those includes saying someone is the ‘low man on the totem pole’, which Dr. Hall noted she’s used in the past but is now more mindful of her words. “Totem poles is a sacred part of our culture. In it, is engraved a lot of history, and traditions. and we do hold them dearly.”
In the late 1800’s, the term ‘Off the Reservation’ was coined and used to describe people who others felt were not acting “rationally”. This struck a chord with Dr. Hall who found this phrase to be most egregious. “That term I do find a little derogatory, because of the violence the hatred, and the crimes that take place on reservations.”
Then there’s ‘Indian Giver’, a term that American settlers used to imply natives were untrustworthy and reneged on deals. Dr. Hall found this ironic, seeing as how much Europeans have taken from the Native people. “I think many of them took away from us. Many treaties were broken. Promises that were never seen to fruition. and you see Native American tribes continuing to this day to try to survive. And so, I don’t know that we were Indian Givers, I think the population at large probably takes the crown for that one.”
Pride in Powwows
Cultural gatherings for Native Americans were once banned in the United States because they believed the Natives were “devil worshipers”. Looking ahead, Dr. Hall says Native Americans will continue to take pride in their heritage and want those who take part to show respect. “You got to keep in mind, the folks that wrote our history, were not of our culture. And so it was from their eyes, and they don’t see things quite the way we see things… We want you to leave there being better informed, more educated and having a better respect and a better appreciation of who we are as a people.”
The Nanticoke tribe encourages the community to go to cultural native events to learn more about the people. They say you can visit their website to see the do’s and don’ts of attending sacred events such as Powwows, and the next time you think of telling someone to sit ‘Indian Style’ telling them to cross their legs will do just fine.
They encourage the public to attend their events to learn about their culture. And if you’re not sure what to do at one of their events, you can go to their website and under Powwow you can find the Do’s and Don’ts when attending sacred Native American events.
46th Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow
Milton, De. – If you are interested one of their gatherings, you have a chance experience a big one in Milton. The 46th annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow will include plenty of activities for children, as well as Native American food and vendors.
They will have special guest coming in to perform tribal dances, as well as plenty of cultural related songs and prayers during the event. They are once again, opening this to the public, and Dr. Hall asks that people planning to attend do not wear costumes depicting stereotypes of Native American people.
Instead, she’s hoping that newcomers take the time to learn more about their neighbors. “Our Powwow is a wonderful opportunity for the public at large to interact with us, to have a conversation with those of us that are wearing our regalia, okay. To ask the questions of what is appropriate and inappropriate… But it’s a time of us renewing our spirits, our friendships, and giving thanks to the creator.”
Gates for the Powwow will open at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday, September 7th and 8th, 2024. The gathering the gathering is free and open to the public, and if you do choose to attend, please show respect.
