Change Name of this sub forum?

Hi there. I would like to offer a suggestion with warm-hearted respect, please. It's been something on my mind for a while now as a happy member of SF, and it now feels like a good time to bring this up.

Might it be possible to change the name of this sub forum?

"Native American" is a term I hear commonly used to refer to the Indigenous Peoples of the United States. But the Indigenous Peoples of Canada and Mexico don't use this term - we can't because we are not "American".

I know some Indigenous peoples in the US use the term "Native American" when identifying themselves, and I respect their right to do this.

With humble respect, I'd suggest re-naming this sub forum to "North American Indigenous". It would still encompass all the distinct Indigenous Nations of Turtle Island (North America) as a general term, for I can appreciate there can't be a sub forum for each Nation. (That would require probably a ton more pages!)

I wasn't sure "who" to address this to, so I thought I'd put it here for one of the forum moderators to see. Please feel free to PM me if necessary.

And if this can't be done, I will accept that and remain a happy member of SF, but if I could ask for a bit of an explanation as to why not, that would be fabulous - just so I understand the reason better (I'm not very technology savvy!)

If I have unintentionally offended anyone by posing this suggestion, please excuse me for what I have said, I am sorry.

Kitchi Miigwetch! A huge thank you for considering this!

[makwaiskwew]

I am very new to this forum but I had those very same thoughts. There are indigenous communities around the world. Thank You.

Kchi Migwech Gzheminido Kinagego

[Star Wolf Medicine Woman]

I know what you mean.. Maybe First Nations people would tick some boxes...
I understand that there were in excess of 600 separate indigenous peoples...

Originally Posted by Star Wolf Medicine Woman

I know what you mean.. Maybe First Nations people would tick some boxes...
I understand that there were in excess of 600 separate indigenous peoples...

Whoa! More than 600! Incredible ... thanks for sharing this.

[makwaiskwew]

indeed...and that is just north of the 49th...:)

[Makoiyi]

I always refer to myself n others of my kind as 1st Nations n that go's world wide. So I'd agree to a change, how about contacting Admin about it?

Makoiyi

Thank you all, This suggestion has now been accepted and acted upon.

[makwaiskwew]

Respectfully, I ask that you be of peace and of peaceful mind for what I wish to say today. I thank you Neville for this consideration and response. And I speak from my heart when I share this with you.
It must be understood though that the indigenous peoples were and are spiritual peoples since time immemorial. While many see the indigenous peoples through myth and legend it must be told that we have had our prophesies,
philosophies and oral cultures long before contact and colonization. And while many good people have embraced religion, before contact indigenous peoples were a spiritual people understanding that we are all related and our relationships are integral to the mother that sustains us, the air that we breathe, the water that we drink and most certainly the sun. The birds and the animals, the fish, the trees.....all is integral to life and is respected.

With that said, I hope that you consider my request that this thread be named simply "Indigenous peoples" It will speak to all peoples that way.

Thank you for listening my friend.

Kchi Migwech Gzheminido Kinagego

[Tobi]

Originally Posted by makwaiskwew

Respectfully, I ask that you be of peace and of peaceful mind for what I wish to say today. I thank you Neville for this consideration and response. And I speak from my heart when I share this with you.
It must be understood though that the indigenous peoples were and are spiritual peoples since time immemorial. While many see the indigenous peoples through myth and legend it must be told that we have had our prophesies,
philosophies and oral cultures long before contact and colonization. And while many good people have embraced religion, before contact indigenous peoples were a spiritual people understanding that we are all related and our relationships are integral to the mother that sustains us, the air that we breathe, the water that we drink and most certainly the sun. The birds and the animals, the fish, the trees.....all is integral to life and is respected.

With that said, I hope that you consider my request that this thread be named simply "Indigenous peoples" It will speak to all peoples that way.

Thank you for listening my friend.

Kchi Migwech Gzheminido Kinagego

The things that you speak of are spiritual things, Maikwaiskwew so the "faith" aspect relates I think quite well to varied spiritual traditions of indigenous people. I, for one, do not associate this word with settlers at a later date, and the religions they brought with them.
It may be better than the word "Belief" as spiritual awareness is a knowing -not limited to 'believing'....
Words are tricky aren't they?

But basically I do like the change, as it opens up to many other people who may not literally be "Americans". I was thinking this yesterday.

So does that mean, Tobi, that you and I maybe rendezvoused in the ether and had a nice little chat about this yesterday?

Coooool....