Cultural appropriation of Native American traditions

Beyond the Beadwork: Unpacking the Harm of Cultural Appropriation of Native American Traditions

The image is ubiquitous: a festival-goer sporting a feathered headdress, a celebrity donning turquoise jewelry from an unknown source, or a yoga studio offering "Native American-inspired" spiritual practices. On the surface, these might seem like harmless acts of appreciation, a nod to cultures deemed exotic or appealing. Yet, for Native American communities, these instances of cultural appropriation cut deep, representing not just a misunderstanding but a perpetuation of historical erasure, commodification, and profound disrespect.

Cultural appropriation, in its simplest definition, is the adoption or use of elements of a minority or oppressed culture by members of the dominant culture without understanding, acknowledgment, or respect for the original context, meaning, or creators. When it comes to Native American traditions, this phenomenon is particularly insidious, rooted in centuries of colonization, forced assimilation, and the systematic suppression of Indigenous ways of life.

A History of Erasure and Resilience

To understand the gravity of cultural appropriation, one must first grasp the historical context. For over 500 years, Indigenous peoples in North America have endured genocide, land theft, broken treaties, forced removals, and attempts to eradicate their languages, spiritual practices, and cultural identities. Children were forcibly taken to boarding schools where their hair was cut, their languages forbidden, and their traditions demonized. This systematic oppression aimed to "kill the Indian, save the man," a philosophy that sought to erase Indigenous cultures entirely.

Despite these brutal efforts, Native American traditions survived, often practiced in secret or passed down through generations with immense courage and resilience. These traditions are not mere aesthetics; they are living, breathing expressions of identity, spirituality, governance, and connection to the land. They are sacred.

The Sacred Desecrated: Common Forms of Appropriation

Several forms of cultural appropriation are particularly prevalent and damaging when directed at Native American traditions:

1. The War Bonnet (Headdress): Not a Costume:
   
   Perhaps the most egregious and frequently seen example is the wearing of a war bonnet by non-Native individuals, often at music festivals, Halloween parties, or fashion shoots. For many Plains tribes, the war bonnet is a sacred item, earned through acts of bravery, leadership, and sacrifice. Each feather represents an achievement, and the bonnet itself carries immense spiritual and historical significance. It is not merely a decorative accessory; it is a symbol of profound respect, honor, and earned authority.

   When a non-Native person wears a war bonnet, they not only strip it of its meaning but also mock the very struggles and sacrifices of the people who earned the right to wear it. As Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation), an academic and author of the popular blog "Native Appropriations," frequently points out, "It’s not about being offended; it’s about being erased." This act trivializes a deeply sacred object into a mere prop, contributing to the invisibility and dehumanization of Native peoples in contemporary society.

2. Dreamcatchers: From Sacred Object to Mass-Produced Souvenir:
   Originating with the Ojibwe people, dreamcatchers were traditionally handmade objects woven with specific intentions, meant to filter out bad dreams and allow good ones to pass through to the sleeper. They were often given to infants and children as protective talismans.

   Today, dreamcatchers are mass-produced globally, often in factories overseas, and sold in gift shops, online, and even in discount stores. These commercialized versions frequently bear little resemblance to the original, lacking the spiritual intent and connection to the community that created them. The profits rarely, if ever, benefit Indigenous communities. This commodification transforms a sacred, culturally specific item into a generic, disposable trinket, divorcing it entirely from its cultural context and spiritual significance.

3. "Native American Spirituality": The New Age Exploitation:
   The market for "Native American spirituality" is booming, with non-Native individuals offering workshops, ceremonies, and "healings" based on superficial understandings of complex Indigenous spiritual practices. From "sweat lodge" ceremonies led by non-Natives to self-proclaimed "shamans" selling spiritual guidance, these ventures often misrepresent, dilute, and profit from traditions that are deeply private, diverse, and specific to individual tribes.

   Many Indigenous spiritual leaders and knowledge keepers express deep concern over this trend. Their spiritual practices are not for sale; they are interwoven with specific languages, lands, and ancestral lineages. The commercialization of these practices not only exploits them but also can be dangerous, as proper protocols, training, and respect for the sacred are often ignored. Furthermore, it diverts attention and resources away from legitimate Indigenous spiritual leaders and communities who are working to preserve and revitalize their authentic traditions.

4. Fashion and Art: Profiting Without Permission:
   From designer clothing lines featuring "Navajo prints" to artists incorporating "totem pole" imagery without understanding its meaning or seeking permission, the fashion and art industries are rife with appropriation. Often, these designs are direct copies or thinly veiled interpretations of Indigenous artistic expressions, with no credit or financial benefit given to the original creators or communities.

   This practice not only constitutes intellectual property theft but also reinforces the power imbalance where dominant cultures can freely exploit the creations of marginalized groups. It perpetuates the idea that Indigenous cultures exist primarily as a resource for others to extract from, rather than as vibrant, living cultures with their own rights and sovereignty.

Intent vs. Impact: Why Good Intentions Aren’t Enough

A common defense against accusations of appropriation is "I didn’t mean any harm" or "I was trying to show appreciation." While intent matters in personal relationships, in the context of cultural appropriation, impact is paramount. The historical power dynamics, the history of violence and oppression against Native Americans, mean that even seemingly innocuous acts can carry a heavy weight of harm.

As Chelsea Vowel (Métis), an Indigenous writer and educator, explains, "Appropriation is often about power. It’s about who has the power to take, to define, to benefit, and to erase." When a dominant culture takes elements from a marginalized one, it often reinforces stereotypes, trivializes sacred practices, and ultimately contributes to the invisibility of the very people it claims to "appreciate."

The Path Forward: From Appropriation to Appreciation

So, how can individuals move beyond appropriation towards genuine appreciation and respect?

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the specific histories, cultures, and contemporary issues of Native American tribes. Understand the difference between broad "Native American" culture and the diversity of over 574 federally recognized tribes, each with unique traditions. Resources like Native American studies programs, Indigenous authors, and reputable online sources (e.g., National Museum of the American Indian, Native Appropriations blog) are invaluable.

2. Listen to Native Voices: Prioritize and amplify Indigenous perspectives. If you’re unsure about something, seek out Native American creators, scholars, and community leaders. Follow Indigenous artists, activists, and organizations on social media. Their voices are the most authentic and authoritative on their own cultures.

3. Support Native Artists and Businesses: If you admire Native American art or craftsmanship, purchase directly from Indigenous artists, tribal enterprises, or reputable Native-owned businesses. This ensures that the creators are compensated for their work and that the traditions are being maintained within their communities. Look for certifications of authenticity.

4. Question Your Consumption: Before buying or using an item, ask: Where did this come from? Who made it? Does it have cultural significance? Am I truly understanding and respecting its origin, or am I simply consuming a trend?

5. Recognize and Respect Sacredness: Understand that many Indigenous traditions are not meant for public consumption or commercial gain. Respect boundaries when Native communities ask for certain practices or items to remain within their cultural context.

6. Advocate for Change: Speak out against appropriation when you see it. Challenge harmful stereotypes and misrepresentations in media, fashion, and everyday life. Support policies that protect Indigenous intellectual property rights and cultural heritage.

Cultural appropriation is not a victimless crime. It is a symptom of a deeper societal issue: the ongoing devaluation and marginalization of Indigenous peoples. By understanding its roots, recognizing its forms, and committing to respectful engagement, individuals can contribute to a more just and equitable world where Native American traditions are not exploited but honored, understood, and celebrated by and for the communities from which they originate. It’s time to move beyond superficial adoption and embrace genuine respect, recognizing that true appreciation begins with knowledge, humility, and a commitment to Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.