this post was submitted on 07 Feb 2026
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[–] fossilesque@mander.xyz 47 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

The Iroquois are the Haudenosaunee. The latter is the more respectful and culturally appropriate term.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iroquois

Haudenosaunee ("People of the Longhouse") is the autonym by which the Six Nations refer to themselves.[23] While its exact etymology is debated, the term Iroquois is of colonial origin. Some scholars of Native American history consider "Iroquois" a derogatory name adopted from the traditional enemies of the Haudenosaunee.[24] A less common, older autonym for the confederation is Ongweh’onweh, meaning "original people".[25][26][27]

[–] Mandarbmax@lemmy.world 11 points 2 weeks ago

I did not know this before. Thank you!

[–] bryophile@lemmy.zip 0 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

Don't culturally appropriate please

Edit: come on, it's just a word joke from a none native speaker. Culturally appropriate and cultural appropriation is pretty close no? I never realized until now and thought it was funny.

[–] fossilesque@mander.xyz 22 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (3 children)

Having worked directly with these communities and their material culture, this is what I was taught, but I am happy to be corrected if there is another better perspective.

EDIT: I checked, since I am old and sometimes out of date. The Smithsonian and Library of Congress have switched terms since about 2022 to Haudenosaunee. https://americanindian.si.edu/sites/1/files/pdf/education/haudenosauneeguide.pdf

Edit, Edit: I get the joke now, but you’re all trapped in here with me now, so here’s an info-dump: I used "Iroquois" interchangeably until about 2022, which is right around when the American Anthropological Association and the Smithsonian made the formal switch. While "Iroquoian" is still used as a technical linguistic category, "Iroquois" is being phased out as a name for the people because of its colonial origins and its potential interpretation as a slur. I remember hmming and hawing about it back then, but ultimately, as I’ve learned more about Indigenous sovereignty, "Iroquois" just feels increasingly dated now in any context.

[–] lvxferre@mander.xyz 8 points 2 weeks ago

While “Iroquoian” is still used as a technical linguistic category

I'm guessing this won't last for long, given some people already call the language family "Ogwehoweh" instead of "Iroquoian". Example here.

[–] bryophile@lemmy.zip 7 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I agree with you, it was just a word joke

[–] fossilesque@mander.xyz 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

aaaaa lmfao sorry autistic moment

[–] bryophile@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

No worries, it was not the most clear joke (it went over people's head I think, seeing the downvotes).

All jokes aside though, coincidentally I just finished reading Robin Wall Kimmerer's "Braiding Sweetgrass", which has reinvigorated my respect for the Haudenosaunee and the Three Sister's. Such a great read! I'm a student of ecology at the moment, and I studied Social Anthropology years ago so it was double interesting.

[–] fossilesque@mander.xyz 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I prefer her book on Moss. Check it out if you have not!!!!

[–] bryophile@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I didn't know of its existence, thank you! Such a spot on recommendation

[–] fossilesque@mander.xyz 2 points 2 weeks ago

If the shoe fits, Dr. Bryophyte. ;)

PS, in case you have missed: !Lichen@mander.xyz and !mosses@mander.xyz -- pls submit stuff haha.

[–] DrWorm@piefed.blahaj.zone 3 points 2 weeks ago

It’s a joke based on the different definitions/pronunciations of the word

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appropriate

culturally appropriate term

don’t culturally appropriate