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Native America Calling: What’s in a (tribe’s) name?
Monday, March 16, 2026
What’s in a (tribe’s) name?
The words “Sioux”, “Chippewa”, and “Crow” are some of the well-known names in the official lexicon that identify tribal nations.
But the tribal names are also among the monikers that arise from mispronunciations, errant assumptions, and even derogatory terms by outsiders that found their way into conventional use. Over the years, some tribes have undertaken the arduous process to change their official names to take back what they have always called themselves.
Others simply change how they present their names to the public, without updating the official record. Tune into Native America Calling to talk with representatives from tribes who seek to have their names better reflect their own culture and language.
Names matter. The tribe’s full name (Fort Sill Chiricahua-Warm-Springs Apache Tribe) reflects the generational ties to their homelands in New Mexico. The name was officially updated by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs this January. @USIndianAffairs @Interior…
— Fort Sill Chiricahua-Warm-Springs Apache Tribe (@FSAT_Official) February 5, 2026
Guests on Native America Calling
Jennifer Heminokeky, tribal chairwoman of the Fort Sill Chiricahua-Warm Springs Apache Tribe in Oklahoma and New Mexico
Vivian Juan-Saunders (Tohono O’odham), former chairwoman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, headquartered in Arizona
Jonathan Hale (Diné), former tribal leader
Jason Salsman (Muscogee), press secretary for the Muscogee Nation, headquartered in Oklahoma
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