Sywash Derogatory?

[Ray Sayah Jr.]

Hi Marcia and Lisa,

I didn't mean to offend in my original message. I felt that
some basic research would be of value to the conversation. I
would hope that no one considers any native who stands up
for their rights "over-sensitive." This is definitely an
insult to that person. In this case the complainer appears
to be right. (But being sensitive to the ignorant shows a
greater desire to work with, and educate others).

I would go so far as to say that - exactly which phrases are
derogatory is both in the eye of the person who uses the
phrase and in the eye of the person who is being referred
to. Each party should try hard to understand the intent and
feelings of the other.

I have some thoughts about the French.  I agree with the
things that were said about the French (and the way they
treated other peoples) for the most part.

So, other that the word "tilikum," how would native Chinook
speakers differentiate between Bostons and themselves?

-Ray

> Hi gang!
>
> I have kept quiet for a long time on this
> site...but this is too
> irresistible not to respond to.  I am a member of
> the Wasco tribe of the
> Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.  I have
> lived my entire life on the
> rez, except for a bit of time in college.  I
> believe, as do others in my
> extended family, that the word "siwash" or any of
> its different spellings
> is, indeed, a derogatory label.  As teenagers,
> we've had exposure to this
> term in public school, resulting in a knock-down,
> drag-out brawl between
> some of the guys.  A Native American, Indian or
> whatever anglo term you want
> to use, might use this term when insulting
> another peer.  Sometimes the kids
> will use this term, teasingly, with their friends
> in horseplay.   But I have
> never heard of anyone referring to themselves as
> a siwash.  As to
> credibility, I use myself and my extended family
> as my reference of
> authority.  There is a group of people, from
> various tribal communities,
> that are working to promote changes of place
> names, city or town names, or
> other public identities (street and such) from
> derogatory names to something
> more appropriate and neutral.  I will be sure to
> pass this information on to
> one of my friends that is involved in this
> project.  Its not a matter of
> being "over-sensitive" but rather a matter of
> respect...none of us, as
> indigenous people, have asked for a national
> holiday for Sitting Bull,
> Geronimo, Black Kettle, Wounded Knee or any of
> our other famous people or
> significant places in history....yet.
>
> Marcia Macy

>