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Guide for Better Understanding of the American Indian |
The National YMCA programs of the Y-Indian Guides, Y-Indian Maidens, and Y-Indian Princesses have drawn heavily on the culture and customs of American Indian tribes throughout the United States. It is essential that YMCA lay and staff leaders in all YMCA Centers and communities represent accurately and positively the American Indians' contributions to America's life and history. This document presents some principles that should be given thoughtful consideration and implementation by local YMCA Boards and Parent/Child program leaders. (See also: Program History, Native American Sites.)
The following guidelines are designed to strengthen Y-Indian Guide tribal programs, special events, and community interpretation. They are fundamental elements for understanding the American Indian people. These were adapted from an outline prepared by thee Urban Indian Development Association of Los Angeles and presented at the 35th National Long House Convention in Pittsburgh on April 23, 1972, Charles C. Kujawa, National Consultant.
- AN AMERICAN INDIAN IS A HUMAN BEING
. Scripts, films, program pageants, and youth groups dealing with the American Indian, his life-style, culture and customs should first consider whether their works are befitting to a human race. The Indian, as a member of the human race, should be portrayed with this thought in mind.
- HIS RELIGION IS SOUND
. Each tribe had its own beliefs, which were evolved over many thousands of years. These religious beliefs served the Indian both in times of plenty and in times of need; they were sacred and meaningful to him. These beliefs must be accepted with respect and reverence.
- THE INDIANS' MORALS WERE LONG STANDING.
The morals of the true American Indian were very idealistic. Each tribe had its own standards which were strictly adhered to. The moral decline among some Indians began with the introduction of liquor and dishonorable trading practices by the white man.
- HIS CUSTOMS HAVE SPECIAL MEANING.
Many colorful and very meaningful customs were observed by Indians of various tribes, each tribe adhering to its own culture and beliefs. Misrepresentation of these would constitute a grave injustice to the American Indian.
- THE LANGUAGE OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN IS GRAPHIC.
Each tribe spoke its own dialect, and took great pride in oratory. The language was both poetic and expressive. It would be advisable to use the English language when portraying the American Indian. Today few understand the Indian languages, and fewer still portray it correctly, thus making the Indian appear inarticulate. Words such as "how", "ugh", etc., were not part of the Indian vocabulary and should be avoided altogether.
- HIS MUSIC AND SONGS PORTRAY INDIAN LIFE.
Music and song played a large part in the life of the American Indian. Through them he expressed his religious beliefs, offered his thanks to the Great Spirit, summoned his Council, and served his personal and social needs. Music an song were not taken lightly by the Indian; thus, whenever used, they should be suthentic, with the meaning portrayed correctly.
- INDIAN DANCES ARE HIGHLY EXPRESSIVE.
The dance also provided the Indian with recreation and self-expression, serving to relate deeds and events of importance to the Indians. Many dances represent birds and animals from which they were adopted; they were always used with great discretion and ceremony. Many dances also served to keep the Indians in the good physical condition necessary for their survival.
- THE INDIANS' COSTUMES WERE SYMBOLIC.
Costumes were very colorful, with many depicting the birds, animals, and flowers of the area in which the tribe lived. Costumes also had meaning in their design and color, serving as a memento of rank and distinction for deeds of great valor. They should be depicted with strict authenticity.
- THE INDIAN HAS A POINT OF VIEW.
Whenever written materials, scripts, telecasts, and visual aids concerning the American Indian are set forth, they should be made from the Indian point of view. His values should be considered; his traditions respectfully upheld. His interpretation of history should also be presented.
- INDIAN LEADERSHIP CAN CREATE INDIAN ROLES.
Society has by-passed the American Indian. Indian crafts are imported or made by non-Indians; motion picture and TV parts are produced and played by non-Indians. Indian history and culture are written and shaped by non-Indians. There are many highly skilled and qualified American Indians who could fill these roles in society. Indians serve as lawyers, doctors, teachers, scientists, and civic leaders. The Indian has been alienated while his rich heritage is exploited.
- THERE IS A REAL DANGER IN STEREOTYPING.
Hollywood has a stereotype of the American Indian which is grossly distorted. Ironically, this image is presented by the mass media to the public, who accept this as the truth. The motion picture industry and other groups therefore must take great precautions to present the true image. Each Indian is an individual with mannerisms of his own, guided by his tribal beliefs and customs. YMCA youth and parent groups should beware of perpetuating such stereotypes in newsletters, parades, and tribal activities.
- NAMES SHOULD ENGENDER RESPECT.
Names such as squaw, buck, chief, etc., are often used as nicknames. This the Indian finds degrading. He should be addressed with respect, using his proper name. Titles used in publicity and other representations should be respectful to the Indian populace. Epithets such as "drunken Indian" must be avoided; they tend to label the whole Indian nation. In every case one must be discreet in the choice of titles, considering all aspects pertaining to the well-being of , and respect for, the American Indian.
- THE INDIAN WAS NOT THE AGGRESSOR.
Often the Indian is depicted as the aggressor in pictures, books and films. It should be remembered that the white settlers and fur traders encroached upon the Indian, threatening his very existence, disregarding his hunting grounds and his rights as the original inhabitant of thee land. The Indian fought back against these intrusions. It was honorable to defend his homeland, as it is honorable to keep America free today. Therefore it is not accurate to show the Indian always as the aggressor. In contrast, he should b shown as the defender against the white intruder, who gave no consideration to the way and life of the Indian.
- THE AMERICAN INDIAN WAS NOT A SAVAGE.
Many of the films, TV series, and books refer to or indicate that the Indian was a savage race. This abuse of the Indian culture is not accurate, and it should cease. One has only to explore the beautiful beliefs and customs of the American Indians to realize they had established a very colorful and functional society. Unfortunately, the white man did not take time to learn and appreciate the ways of the Indian.