The new AP Stylebook has a separate entry for Native Americans, Indigenous people/peoples. Here’s why.

The Associated Press has created a separate entry for "Native Americans, Indigenous people/peoples." Previously, the entry was included as part of the Stylebook’s race-related coverage entry.  

 

Identity as Native Americans and Indigenous peoples goes beyond race. In the U.S., federally recognized tribes have a political relationship with the government that recognizes their inherent authority to govern themselves and autonomy over their own people, land and resources. Globally, those concepts – sovereignty and self-determination -- are affirmed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The U.S. and other countries have certain legal responsibilities to Indigenous peoples. Reducing these identities to only race-related differences undermines that important distinction. 

 

Moving the entry and emphasizing the importance of political identity and sovereignty doesn’t mean an end to covering race-related issues. Native Americans and other Indigenous peoples regularly experience race-based discrimination. Worldwide, they also face disparities in health, education, economics and other areas when compared with general populations.  

The move recognizes the nuance in covering Indigenous populations and the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices. 

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For more guidance on language about identity and ethnicity coverage, see AP's race-related coverage guide. 

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