Playing Indian

The idea of “playing Indian” has been deeply embedded into youth programming for over a century. Popular games like “Cowboys and Indians”, sitting “Indian-style”, and Thanksgiving-themed art projects with feathers and headbands are just a few examples of this being part of American culture. Some of our most valued youth programming organizations including Boys Scouts of America, Camp Fire, and Girl Scouts have relied heavily on borrowing or appropriating Indian ideals, cultural symbols, and rituals.  Indian imagery, taking on “Indian-sounding” names for members and campgrounds, and the use of buckskin gowns are ways in which Indian cultures have been used, but often not included in the discussion or programming. Over the past few years, organizations like Camp Fire have begun to address the use of these traditions, symbols, and mimicry of Indian culture in their programming.