From www.google.com/amp/s/www.nativeknot.com/amp/news/Native-American-News/Native-American-or-American-Indian-How-to-Talk-About-Indigenous-.html
Terms to avoid
“Native American,” “American Indian,” and “Indigenous people” are all acceptable terms.
Some terms, on the other hand, simply aren’t polite, accurate or acceptable in any context. These include:
“Indian.” On its own, “Indian” refers to people from India, so you wouldn’t use it to describe an Indigenous person.
“Natives.” Someone might say, “I’m Native,” dropping the “American,” but white oppressors have traditionally used the plural “natives” in negative and dismissive ways. Don’t call people “natives,” even if they refer to themselves with that term.
“Eskimo.” Many Alaska Natives, Inuit, Yupik, and other Indigenous peoples from the Arctic region consider this colonial term racist and derogatory.
“Spirit animal.” Don’t refer to anything as your “spirit animal,” no matter what level of affinity you feel for it. This term isn’t just appropriative. It also turns Indigenous cultural traditions into jokes and meme fodder.
“Tribe.” Call your friends your friends, your besties, your crowd, your mates — but not your tribe. “Tribe” carries connotations of “primitive” or “savage.” It’s a microaggression toward Indigenous Americans as well as Indigenous peoples of other countries who also suffered white colonization.
“Savage.” OK, maybe you absolutely wouldn’t use “savage” to refer to someone in a negative way. But before you praise someone for their “savage” takedown of that social media mutual, remember that settlers used this term to oppress Indigenous Americans and strip them of their humanity to better justify the theft of their land and the dismissal of their traditions.
A few others to skip. Other no-gos include “powwow,” “chief,” and “Indian giver.” Also, traditional clothing worn during dances is called regalia, not a “costume.”
The bottom line
Some Indigenous people may favor the term “Native American,” while others prefer “American Indian.” Many people may not mind which term you use, as long as you speak with respect.
If someone does tell you their specific nation, state a preference, or explain they find a certain term offensive, simply apologize and use the correct terminology going forward.
Honor their right to label their own identity instead of insisting on the term you consider correct.
Want to learn more? It’s always best to do your own research rather than expect Indigenous friends or acquaintances to educate you.