tribal affiliation

Reporters should identify Indigenous people by their specific tribes, nations or communities. Headlines and text should also refer to tribes by their proper names, not a catch-all phrase like Oklahoma Native American Tribe or Native American group. While many Indigenous people share a common history of oppression and colonialism, tribal nations are diverse and different; failing to use the actual name of the tribe you are reporting on is neither accurate, fair nor thorough and undermines diversity by erasing the tribe’s identity. The practice never happens when reporting on other places or groups, as shown here:

INCORRECT:

  • Pope Brings Message of Brotherly Love To Pennsylvania City
  • Asian Country Pushes Legal Overhaul That Would Bolster State Power
  • Native American Tribe To Open First Marijuana Resort In The U.S.

CORRECT:

  • Pope Brings Message Of Brotherly Love To Philadelphia
  • China Pushes Legal Overhaul That Would Bolster State Power
  • Santee Sioux Nation To Open First Marijuana Resort In The U.S.

Updated January 2024

REFERENCE: Reporter’s Indigenous Terminology Guide, Indigenous Journalists Association (formerly Native American Journalists Association)
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