Foundational Information

Cultural Terms

  • Cultural Competence: The understanding of how to communicate, interact, and work effectively with various cultures. (Betancourt, 2004)

  • Cultural Intelligence: The ability to handle cultural differences. This includes being aware of one's cultural worldview, recognizing cultural differences, and adapting to different cultural contexts. (Sternberg et al., 2023)

  • Cultural Humility: A specific concept that requires intentional effort; it means having the lifelong ability to self-evaluate and critique (your own biases) while seeking to learn from others. This is the acknowledgment of power inequities and the development of relationships based on respect. (Kostelecky et al., 2023).

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness, understanding , and respect for cultural differences and practices. It means being aware of cultural norms, values, and behaviors and adjusting one's ways of interacting accordingly.(Winston, 1995)

  • Cultural Responsiveness: The practice of responding to cultural differences respectfully and effectively. It includes understanding and appreciating cultural differences and adjusting services or interactions to be culturally appropriate for various cultural groups. (Hopf et al., 2021)

Figure 1: Pinterest image came from Raymond Herbert

Terminology

  • University of British Columbia (n.d.) discusses terminology related to Indigenous identities:

  • Native American / American Indian – While "Native American" is widely used, some individuals and communities prefer "American Indian" due to historical legal recognition. It's best to ask individuals how they self-identify and use specific tribal names whenever possible.

  • Indigenous – A broad term encompassing Native peoples of North America, including Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Some people prefer "Indigenous" over "Native American."

  • Tribal Nation / Federally Recognized Tribe – A sovereign political entity acknowledged by the U.S. government. Some tribes are state-recognized or unrecognized, meaning they are not officially recognized by federal or state governments but still maintain cultural and political identity. 

  • First Nations – A term used primarily in Canada, but some U.S. Indigenous communities also use it.

  • Sovereignty – The inherent authority of Indigenous nations to govern themselves, separate from U.S. federal and state laws in many aspects.

  • Land Acknowledgment – A formal statement recognizing that a place operates on traditional Indigenous lands. Many institutions, including libraries, incorporate these into events, signage, and public materials.

  • Two-Spirit – A term used by some Indigenous communities to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine spirits, often related to gender identity and roles. It is distinct from Western concepts of identities.

  • Reservation / Trust Land – Land held in trust by the U.S. government for Native American tribes. Some reservations are vast, such as the Navajo Nation, while others are small or lack federal recognition.

  • Urban Indian – A Native American person living in a city rather than on a reservation. Over 70% of Native Americans live in urban areas due to federal policies like the 1950s Urban Relocation Program.

  • Powwow – A traditional gathering that includes dancing, singing, drumming, and celebration of Native cultures. Some are private, while others are open to the public.

  • Elders – Respected community members who hold cultural, historical, and spiritual knowledge. In Native communities, Elders are often key decision-makers and teachers.

  • Cultural Appropriation – The use of Indigenous symbols, traditions, or practices by non-Native individuals or groups without permission or understanding. Libraries should avoid stocking books or resources that misrepresent Native culture.

  • ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) – A federal law aimed at keeping Native American children with Native families and tribes to prevent cultural erasure.

  • BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) – A term recognizing racialized communities, including Indigenous peoples.

  • Decolonization – The process of undoing colonial influences and restoring Indigenous traditions, governance, and education. In libraries, this includes prioritizing Native-authored materials and narratives.

  • Tribal Enrollment – A process in which a person is officially recognized as a member of a specific tribe based on lineage and tribal requirements. Not all Native individuals are enrolled, but that does not invalidate their identity.

Social and Demographic Data for Native Americans

  • Total Population: Approximately 9.7 million people in the U.S. identify as Native American or Alaska Native alone or in combination with other races. (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).

  • Geographic Distribution: Nearly 70% of Native Americans live in urban areas, with major populations in cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New York. However, many still maintain ties to their tribal lands. (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).

  • Economic Status: Native Americans have a higher poverty rate compared to the general U.S. population, with about 25.4% living below the poverty line. (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).

  • Health Disparities: Native Americans face significant health disparities, including higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).

  • Education: Native American students have lower high school graduation rates and higher dropout rates compared to other ethnic groups. (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).

  • Language Revitalization: Over 150 Indigenous languages are still spoken, and efforts are being made to revitalize languages like Cherokee, Lakota, and Hawaiian. (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).

  • Tribal Nations: There are 574 federally recognized tribes and numerous state-recognized and unrecognized tribes across the U.S. (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).

U.S. Census Bureau. (2023, October 17). 2020 Census: Native American population details.https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/10/2020-census-dhc-a-aian-population.html

     References

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