Native American / Indian names and images

[cbniv]

I posted this over at the ACA boards but thougth I would ask you folks as well. I was wondering if anyone has delt with the political correctness issues surrounding the usage of indian names, images etc. I know there are many camps that use such names and images. Any thoughts?

[speedx5xracer]

I have delt with the PC aspect of using native american images for a class. my best advise is if your gonna use a tribe name or image ask the tribe so not to offend them.

[Melk]

our cabins have tribe names but if there has been a problem with it, I havent heard it. We did have to change our closing ceremonies because of it though.

[drink the wild air]

We've had the discussion in the past. Our cabin names are all tribe names and it would be rather hard to get in contact with each tribe to ask permission (although I think that would be an awesome idea). Like Melk said, we used to have a 'closing ceremony' that was Native/Indian themed and that has changed. Our director is part Cherokee I believe, I can't remember exactly, and he and I have had the conversation many times. He is supportive of using things from their culture as long as they are respectful and not in a mocking manner. I think that incorporating some type of Native/indigenoust teachings, arts, etc. into camp can be real neat if done right. A lot of camp related feelings and teachings could be seen as parallel to many traditional Native Indian beliefs - the strong sense of community and identity, connection and respect of the earth, etc. These concepts are what we use now in our closing ceremonies in a more general way. When I was a younger camper we used to have members of a nearby tribe come in full ceremonial dress and perform traditional dances for us and teach us about their culture. It was amazing, and really connected well to the lessons I was being taught at camp also.