By Carmen Kwasny
The NAAoG is often contacted by Europeans who would like to get in touch with Native Americans. However, the stereotypical images that are consistently described as “positive” make an exchange at eye level impossible. This repeatedly results in the same problems, which is very frustrating for everyone involved.
For many years the Native American Association of Germany’s motto was “Building Bridges - Connecting People”, which apparently created high expectations. During a German television show this motto was even used against the NAAoG. However, there were legitimate reasons to refuse to participate as an interview partner. It was already apparent beforehand which direction the discussion would be steered.
To counteract a further polarization of society, sensitive topics were explained in more detail on these websites, in personal conversations, and in press interviews in a diplomatic manner. The statements made can be substantiated with first‑hand information. Everyone now has access to this knowledge. But instead of using it for educational purposes and making it their constant guide, people with egocentric motives combine some of the first-hand information with stereotypical images. This leads to an unsettling mixture.
When children in Germany put on an "Indian" costume, there are usually no malicious intentions behind it. They want to be like their role models. How shocking it must feel for these children and their parents when they are accused of racism. The problem is that children's perceptions of Native Americans are rooted in stereotypes. The educational and awareness‑raising work of the NAAoG has always aimed to foster a deeper understanding. At no point was there even the slightest call for a ban. The aim was to gently meet the children where they are.
Quite obviously, some people here in Germany and in the neighboring countries have misunderstood this diplomatic way of dealing with the whole situation. They contact the NAAoG primarily for the following reason: they want support in justifying their own actions because these are increasingly being criticized.
It is a fact that many Native Americans perceive the common “Indian” costumes as a mockery of their cultures. This was repeatedly pointed out in public for decades. This was already done before the Native American Association of Germany was founded in 1994. Powwow posters and flyers therefore had to carry the following notice:
Out of respect for the traditions, we ask you not to dress up in costumes.
Alarmingly, little has changed here in Europe since then, unlike the developments in the USA and Canada. Decades later, Native Americans are still confronted with this problem. Why is it so difficult for many people to show understanding for the feelings of those whose ancestors survived a genocide? Many young Native Americans are aware through oral traditions that their ancestors were forced to endure a lot of suffering to keep their traditions alive despite persecution and oppression.
Scientific studies document the extremely negative effects of stereotypical images on the personality development of Indigenous children and adolescents. These false images are made visible by the common "Indian" costumes. It is a matter of respect for the still-practiced old traditions to refrain from them. Yet of all people, those who constantly insist on how much they admire Native Americans and point out that this is expressed through the costumes are unwilling to change their point of view; instead, they repeatedly try to justify their actions.
"It's Time to Change the Narrative" is a good motto to express how important it is to let go of old concepts and be open to a development that has the potential to finally bring peace, healing, and harmony.