Native American Foods: Before and after Contact: “Indians” vs. “Native Americans”

There is confusion over the correct term for the indigenous peoples of what became the United States. When it became clear that the term “Indians” had been a misnomer, incorrectly identifying New World people with Asian Indians, many adopted the more accurate name “Native Americans.” In general, the terms used by the peoples themselves are preferred. However, as new terms are sometimes cumbersome, and as many indigenous people today still use earlier terminology, a variety of terms are commonly in use. Likewise, in some contexts there is confusion over the appropriate word for settlers, historically called “Americans,” because the term has frequently been used to exclude indigenous peoples. The terms “white,” “red,” “Old World,” and “New World” carry misleading connotations, implying a European-based point of view, and are avoided.