These stories use a number of differing terms to refer to the Indigenous people of the United States. I grew up with the term Indian. I understand the connection with a certain ‘Mr. Columbus’ and understand its rejection. I also recognize my brothers and sisters up in Canada who reject the use of Native and Tribe. But for me, these words are baked into my life, baked into me. I am an Indian and a Native. And I’m enrolled in the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.
Additionally, some derogatory terms for Indians appear in my collection. However, I made an effort to ensure readers understand they are offensive without being ham-fisted.
At the same time, linguistic reclamation has my full support. My Black, Hotep, and ADOS brothers choose whether or not to reclaim the N-word as their own. Not to erase the word’s history, but to disable its future potential to cause harm. Folks in the past used the N-word for Indians as well, by placing ‘swamp,’ ‘timber,’ ‘red,’ or ‘prairie’ before the racial epithet. Some contemporary thinkers have voiced their opinion on the term Indian as similar to the N-word. I only want people to be free to self-identify and use language as they please.