The NAAoG is politically and denominationally neutral
This page in German - Diese Seite auf deutsch
We have noticed a rise in awareness among Europeans regarding Native American topics (e.g., cultural appropriation), and we welcome this development. On the other hand, there remains a significant lack of knowledge. Unfortunately, it often happens that even those who wish to actively support the decolonization process—and ultimately foster the healing of old wounds—are unaware of how complex the entire situation is.
We have been receiving many emails from Germans expressing interest in Native American cultures and traditions and wishing to meet Native Americans to gain firsthand information. However, the so-called “positive” stereotypes make an exchange at eye level impossible. We are confronted with the same old problems repeatedly, which is very frustrating for all of us.
For many years, our association’s motto was “Building Bridges – Connecting People.” Apparently, this sets high expectations. During a German television show, a moderator invoked our motto against us after we declined to participate. We had very good reasons for our absence.
So far, we’ve tried to remain diplomatic, focusing on sharing firsthand information already available online. Many Native Americans use the internet extensively to tell their own stories, and the pandemic has accelerated this process. Everyone now has access to this knowledge. But instead of using it for educational purposes and preserving it consistently, some create a strange mixture of firsthand information and stereotypes to advance their own egocentric agendas.
When children dress up in “Indian costumes” in Germany, they usually have no harmful intentions. The contrary is the case. They simply wish to be like their role models. Nevertheless, their perception of Native Americans being based on stereotypes creates misunderstandings and problems. That’s why education is crucial. Many children who have had the opportunity to learn about the significance of Native American regalia no longer want to wear “Indian costumes.” Over the years, we have focused on education by sharing firsthand information. We have never demanded a ban on these “Indian costumes.”
Apparently, some Germans misunderstand this diplomatic approach. They contact us for one primary reason: to instrumentalize us in order to justify their acts of cultural appropriation.
Therefore, we want to emphasize that a majority of Native Americans view these “Indian costumes” as mockeries of their cultures. We have been sharing this information from the very beginning, even before our association was founded in 1994. Decades later, we are still facing the same problem, and it is very frustrating.
Why does it seem impossible for so many non-Indigenous people to respect the wishes of those whose ancestors endured so much to preserve their traditions? These “Indian costumes” are based on stereotypes that have an extremely harmful impact on Native American children and youth.
Our requests to respect old traditions that are still practiced today are ignored by a majority of people in German-speaking countries who constantly express admiration for Native Americans.
“It’s Time to Change the Narrative” is an excellent motto for emphasizing the importance of moving beyond outdated concepts and embracing new developments with the potential to finally bring peace, healing, and harmony.