Language Matters: How to Talk about Native Nations Explainer Video

Do you ever feel hesitant when searching for appropriate language to use to talk about Indian Country? You’re not alone. The vast majority of our K-12 educational curricula do not include accurate content on Indigenous people, including terminology.

Using appropriate language to talk about Native nations is important. It shows respect for their sovereignty. It also contributes toward Native narrative change, a movement that seeks to create progress through accurate representations of Indigenous people.

Our video, “Language Matters: How to Talk about Native Nations” covers the basics related to talking about Native people and nations in an appropriate and respectful way. For more resources on language, visit our website: nativegov.org/resources.

Voiceover by Robert Pilot (Ho Chunk Nation). Illustrations and art design by Lucie Skjefte (Red Lake Nation). Produced by CallSign51.