Stereotype #6 - Our Culture Has Never Changed

The idea that Native American cultures are static is a deeply flawed and inaccurate perception. Here's why:  

• Cultural Adaptation:

  • All cultures, including Native American cultures, are constantly evolving. They adapt to changing environments, new technologies, and interactions with other cultures.  

  • Native American communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout history, incorporating new influences while maintaining core values and traditions.  

• Contemporary Expression:

  • Native American artists, writers, musicians, and other cultural producers are actively creating new works that reflect their contemporary experiences.  

  • They are blending traditional forms with modern influences, creating vibrant and dynamic cultural expressions.  

• Revitalization Efforts:

  • Many Native American communities are actively engaged in language revitalization, cultural preservation, and traditional knowledge transmission.  

  • These efforts demonstrate the ongoing vitality and dynamism of Native American cultures.

• Influence of Modernity:

  • Native American people live within modern society, and interact with it daily. This interaction influences their cultures, just as their cultures influence the world around them.  

• Diversity within Cultures:

  • Even within a single tribal nation, there is often diversity and change. Younger generations may have different perspectives and practices than older generations.  

In essence, to say that Native American cultures are static is to ignore the ongoing creativity, resilience, and adaptability of Native American peoples. They are living, evolving cultures that continue to shape and be shaped by the world around them.