The term “American Indian” is widely used, including by the U.S. Government and institutions like the National Museum of the American Indian, even though it’s not a term Native Americans chose for themselves. Understanding why requires a journey back to the 15th century and a famous miscalculation.
The story begins with Christopher Columbus’s voyage westward from Europe. His goal was to find a sea route to Asia, specifically India, which was known for its riches and spices. When Columbus landed in the Caribbean islands in 1492, he mistakenly believed he had reached the “Islands of India beyond the Ganges,” as he famously wrote.
Because of this geographical error, Columbus and the Portuguese colonists who followed began calling the indigenous peoples they encountered “indeos.” This Portuguese word directly translates to “Indians” in English. Despite the fact that Columbus was thousands of miles away from India, the name stuck.
This misnomer, “Indian,” became ingrained in Western culture and language. Even as European exploration revealed the Americas to be a separate continent, the term persisted. Today, while many prefer terms like “Native American” or prefer to be identified by their specific tribal affiliation, “American Indian” remains a commonly understood and officially recognized term in the United States, highlighting a historical legacy rooted in a famous geographical blunder.
