So you would like to start a group. Please read this first.

We do not endorse the creation of non-Indian dance groups or drums. Our effort has been the opposite, to educate people about the inappropriateness of such groups.

Drum groups, in particular, are not the kind of activity that someone can just decide to learn and do. An elder who has been singing for years and knows many kinds of songs, their use, and when they are appropriate, is the kind of person that may start a drum group. This person is responsible for all actions that occur around that drum and how that drum is used in public.

Native Americans, in general, do not require outside organizations to "preserve" their culture. A living, active culture is not something that a non-Indian has the right to "preserve". Activities such as singing, dancing, or spirituality are not something that can be treated as a hobby. For those who practice their culture, it is a way of life.

Understand the history of the Native American people in general. When Europeans got lost on this continent, the local people opened up their community to them so they could survive. Shortly after, those Europeans decided they needed to conquer this land. Battles and genocide ensued. The indigenous people were forced to live on the poorest parcels of land available. Promises, repeatedly given by the government for help and supplies, were often never fulfilled. It became illegal to speak their languages, practice their spirituality, live according to their culture. Now today, the indigenous people of this country have regained their right to religion and their own sovereignty.

After a heart breaking past, many people are still angered by their treatment and the treatment of their ancestors. When Native Americans see groups of non-Indians pretending to be Indian, they fear that people are still trying to take from them, regardless of how sincere the non-Indians really are.

We ask that you read this page and consider these things. We have been in contact with many different groups from around the country that fit this category, so we have written this.
 

For more information on Native American stereotypes, go here.

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