Why are Indians often referred to as Native Americans?

When referring to American Indians or Alaska Natives, it is appropriate to use the terms American Indians and Alaska Natives. These terms denote the cultural distinction between the indigenous people of the continental United States and those of Alaska. While the term "Native Americans" came into usage in the 1960s out of respect to American Indians and Alaska Natives, usage of the term has expanded to include all Native people of the United States and its territories, including Native Hawaiians and American Samoans.

Often times people are confused about what to refer to Native Americans as; "American Indian", "Native American" or "Indian." A lot times I hear people use all of the names listed above. With the statement above I agree that the term Native American or American Indian is usually what tribes prefer to be called such as the Eastern band of Cherokee or the Navajo.