Title: TOP 50 QUESTIONS ABOUT AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBES Frequently Asked Questions Native Americans
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Content: Either term is generally acceptable when referring to North American people indigenous to the United States — although some individuals may have a preference, and others may feel being called "Indian" is inappropriate or even offensive. But as some experts and scholars point out, however, "American Indian" refers specifically to the aboriginal peoples of the lower 48 states — while "Native American" includes Alaska Natives as well. First Nations generally refers to tribal groups indigenous to Canada — it is generally considered incorrect to refer to U.S. tribes as "First Nations." Native Hawaiians (Polynesian groups) are not considered to be "Indian" at all. NEWS MEDIA & ACADEMICS Style Guide: The term "American Indian" is generally preferred by news media and many academic environments when referencing Native peoples of the lower 48 states. This article uses the term "American Indian" to reference only the aboriginal Indian people of the contiguous United States. DISCLAIMER: Our California Indian Network of websites uses "Native American Indian" terminology to aid the search engines in locating and presenting our information, it has no meaning beyond that. 1a) WHEN & WHERE DID THE TERM "NATIVE AMERICAN" ORIGINATE?