I don't wanna start a shit storm, but I think Canada got it right calling them first nations.
For one it's just more accurate, they're more than tribes, they're independent, sovereign, recognized nations, who were indeed here first. First nations, has a certain simplicity and forthrightness that's hard to fuck up.
Secondly, as a giant ass white dude from the Midwest I consider myself native. I hate to be rude about it, but my ancestors have been here for centuries, I'm not from anywhere else. I'm willing to bet Europe doesn't want me or any other American back.
according to the concept of settler colonialism, colonizers cannot simply "become natives" as the term "native" refers to the indigenous people who inhabited a land before colonization, and the act of colonization inherently dispossesses and marginalizes those populations, making it impossible for colonizers to truly integrate as "natives" without addressing the historical power imbalance and injustices committed.
Key points to consider:
Definition of "Native":
Indigenous peoples are considered "native" because they are the original inhabitants of a land, with deep cultural and historical ties to it.
Power Dynamics:
Colonization involves the forceful takeover of land and subjugation of indigenous populations, making it impossible for colonizers to simply claim the identity of the people they displaced.
Cultural Appropriation:
Attempting to fully assimilate into a native culture without acknowledging the historical context of colonization can be seen as cultural appropriation.
However, it's important to note:
Individual Actions:
While a colonizer cannot become "native" in the true sense, individuals can actively work towards reconciliation by learning about indigenous cultures, supporting indigenous rights, and acknowledging the history of colonization.
Complex Situations:
In certain contexts, there might be cases of individuals with mixed heritage, where ancestry ties them to both colonizer and indigenous populations, creating complex identity issues.
I'm from Arizona, I know this. I'm saying the mestizos who wouldn't get pissed at being referred to as such are far less in number than you think. Most ID far more with the colonizers than the colonized