André Cramblit. Photo from From The River Collective / Facebook
André Cramblit, a member of the Karuk Tribe, offers the second part of his guide to slang, acronyms and other terms in Indian Country:
NGE: Non-government enrolled. An Indian not officially a member of a federally recognized tribe. OSI: Out of state Indian (relocated from another area). Plastic: Fake, as in a fake medicine man or woman. Usage: "Don't waste your money on that plastic shaman." Pretendian: Someone who knowingly (or subconsciously) believes they are a Native American when they are in reality not Indian at all. Used for getting jobs, applying to colleges, getting scholarships or internships, etc. Also known as a “Box Checker.” Seventh Generation: The concept that what we do impacts people seven generations in front of us, used for reminding people to make it a better world. In N.W. California it is the three generations behind you, your generation, and the three in front of you meaning you are part of a continuum. Snag: A partner for a date or a one-night stand many times a result from a 49. Snaggin': Searching for a snag.Get the Story:
Andre Cramblit: 'Going Geronimo' and Other Useful Native Slang Terms, Part 2 (Indian Country Today 10/22)
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