This is a great reminder since I live next to the largest reservation in Washington State. I already try to be mindful, but it's the little things in language that you don't even realize you're doing that you need to wake up to. As for the sports teams, I've thought they needed to be changed a long time ago. I have so many people call me and ask if I make tipis. I am certainly capable of making them, sure, but I feel it's totally disrespectful of the culture for me to do that. So I always say no. Reposted from @chayladay A few years ago, I removed three kinds of language from my vocabulary. 1. I stopped saying “hey guys” when women were present, stopped calling women girls, and paid extra attention to people’s pronouns. 2. I stopped using vocabulary that undermined mental health issues, eliminating words such as crazy, insane, nuts. 3. I stopped saying “I’ve finally found my tribe” or following the trend to call something my “spirit animal.” Was it hard to make these changes? No. It wasn’t hard. Above is a helpful guide for removing language that is anti-indigenous. I recommend educating yourself on gender and mental health language too. And I’m going to continue to comb through my vocabulary to make sure I’m not using other problematic language. “Words, words words,” as Shakespeare said. They really do matter. Much love to all ♥️ - #repost #UpdateYourLanguage #RespectIndigenousPeople #Indigenouslivesmatter #Nativelivesmatter #OmakWashington #okanogancountywashington #OkanoganWashington #colvillereservation (at Omak, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBtlg_OA0LN/?igshid=1vn8ul1nxnnmy
