What If My People Who Are Called Means

What if My People Who are Called means the native nations that are currently living and thriving on Turtle Island, North America?

The possibility of this being true is an interesting one to consider, especially in a time when recognition of and respect for Indigenous cultures is gaining much needed attention. If this statement is accepted as accurate then, in essence, it holds the potential to unify Native Nations across the continent, many of whom are currently divided or have only limited contact with one another.

Obviously, this is a loaded phrase and could be interpreted in many ways, depending on the audience it’s presented to. To some, this may simply represent the distinct heritage of the First Nations throughout North America. To others, it may suggest a shift in thinking that acknowledges the distinction between "native" and "non-native" populations on the continent, and how we should acknowledge the diversity of all cultures existing in Turtle Island.

At the same time, this phrase could also unite Indigenous cultures in a shared sense of connection, despite their different languages, customs, and beliefs. In a way, it would be an acknowledgement of the bonds that connect all of us as humans, regardless of where on the continent we may have come from.

Ultimately, the full implications of this phrase remain to be seen, but it certainly raises questions about how we choose to identify and relate to the people who have been here for generations. It is a useful reminder that no one group has the final say on matters related to the Indigenous populations of Turtle Island. All individuals across the spectrum of cultures deserve respect and acknowledgement for what they have to offer.