In the March 29 issue of The Leader, an op-ed piece appeared which joined the words “extremism” and “tribalism,” both used in a pejorative sense to reflect the writer’s objections to the Willow Project.

I share the writer’s objections but must take issue with their use of the word “tribal.”

“Tribe” is a label initially used only by Euro-Americans to categorize groups of Indigenous people who shared a common history, territory, and culture. Period. It is not, and should not, be assumed to imply the quality, virtuosity, or venality of a group of people.

For example, the Euro-Americans who historically perpetrated genocidal acts against Indigenous peoples could reasonably be said to be a violent, prejudiced, and extremist “tribe.” Also for example, the Lakota people who historically banded together to provide and preserve cultural values, stories, continuity, and support for one another could reasonable be said to be a “tribe” offering a coherent and supportive community structure to its members. 

In both examples, the word “tribe” has nothing to do with a value judgement. The judgement comes when we look at the actions of the members of the group. The word “tribe” is now used very broadly by both Euro-Americans and many Indigenous people to refer to affiliated groups of people, but it remains a judgement-free label.

These distinctions are not frivolous. What we call one another matters, and our judgements of one another matter.

Let’s not imply judgement unless we are specific about our charges and both clear and accurate in our use of sensitive labels.

Leslie Aickin
PORT TOWNSEND