04/27/2023
Personally I feel it is spiritual and cultural appropriation to call one’s self a “shaman”.
Just as it isn’t right to do pipe ceremony unless one is of a Native Nation that employs that spiritual practice. A wise Native Elder and respected teacher said it is utmost of Colonizer ego to use titles that do not belong to them as a people. I may use Shamanic techniques in my healing work, and have had formal training but I am not “a Shaman”. This is my opinion, others may feel fine doing it.
While non-Native anthropologists often use the term shaman for indigenous healers worldwide, including the Americas, shaman is the specific name for a spiritual mediator from the Tungusic peoples of Siberia and is not used in Native American or First Nations communities.
Shamanism, a term that refers to a specific set of spiritual beliefs and practices, has been widely misused and misunderstood in popular culture. The entertainment industry, in particular, has used the terms "medicine man" and "shaman" interchangeably to describe holy men and women of Native America. This has led to a widespread assumption that "shamanism" is a universal indigenous way of life practiced by all Native American tribes.
This could not be further from the truth.
In reality, there are many indigenous communities in North America, each with their own distinct culture, language, and belief systems, none of which have historically described their spiritual beliefs as such.
The confusion regarding the term "shamanism" is further reinforced by commercial pseudo-indigenous groups that have appeared in recent decades. These groups typically focus on New Age alternative healing techniques and environmental awareness, and often misrepresent themselves as authentic teachers of Native American culture. Many charge high fees for these teachings and ceremonies that are neither traditional nor typical of North American beliefs. As a result, many Native Americans view the use of the word "shamanism" as a highly offensive stereotype and a form of commercial exploitation.
Finally, it’s important to differentiate between the practices of the shaman and Native American traditions. The shaman is not a synonym for a tribal healer or holy person, and shamanism is not a catch-all term for indigenous religions, earth-based religions, spiritual healing or beliefs in totems, animal guardians, nature spirits, or ways of life. It's important to differentiate and educate the public about true practices. Inaccurate representations can lead to the commercialization and exploitation of Native American culture, which is both disrespectful and offensive.
John Gonzalez
Standing Bear Network
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[Image Description-
A depiction of a commercialized stereotypical “Shaman,”in watercolor entitled, “Please Don’t Squeeze The Shaman,” by John Gonzalez. -End ID]
