The words ‘Sioux,’ ‘Chippewa’ and ‘Crow’ are some of the well-known names in the official lexicon that identify tribes. But they are also among the monikers that arise from mispronunciations, errant assumptions and even derogatory terms by outsiders that found their way into conventional use. Over the years, some tribes have undertaken the arduous process to change their official names to take back what they have always called themselves. Others simply change how they present their names to the public, without updating the official record. We’ll talk with representatives from tribes who seek to have their names better reflect their own culture and language.
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