John,

The United States of America has a long, painful history with indigenous people, and the fight for their recognition, rights, and representation is far from over.

The renaming of the Subcommittee for Indian and Insular Affairs in Congress is just one example of how even the language used to refer to Native Americans can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and diminish their inherent sovereignty and status as nations.

For years, Native American advocates have pushed for a name change to the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, which accurately reflects their preferred terminology and recognizes their unique and complex relationship to the land they have lived on for centuries.

This name change finally occurred with the help of Representative Raul Grivjala, but now MAGA Republicans in Congress have changed the name back to the Subcommittee for Indian and Insular Affairs.

As allies, we must join in this fight for justice. Demand Congress stop using colonizer terms and change the name of the subcommittee back to the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States.

The use of outdated, colonial terminology is harmful, disrespectful, and outright insulting.

This is not just a matter of semantics, it is about respecting the basic human rights of Indigenous communities and acknowledging the atrocities committed against them in the name of colonization.

There’s zero reason why Indian, which is a colonizer word and insular, which means uncivilized, ignorant, and narrow-minded should be the name of a committee tasked with covering management of Native lands and the relationship between the federal government and Native tribes.

We must stand with Native communities and amplify their voices, acknowledging their sovereignty and honoring their struggles for justice and recognition.

Demand Congress change the name of the subcommittee back to the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States.

By listening fully to indigenous communities, we can help create a more inclusive and peaceful world.

- Amanda

Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund