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Can we say “too many chefs, not enough Indians”?
Have you ever played “Chiefs and Indians” as a child? By the time we reach adulthood and the workplace, we start using expressions like “there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians”. From a very early age, exposure to pejorative expressions about native people is inevitable, without even necessarily realizing it! Let’s take a closer look at where this expression comes from… and why we should avoid it!
The expression “too many chiefs, not enough Indians” is used to describe a situation where there are too many people in positions of authority and not enough workers to get the job done. However, this expression is problematic and offensive for several reasons linked to the history and current reality of indigenous peoples in North America.
The term “Indian” is a no!
The term “Indian” is an incorrect appellation attributed to the indigenous peoples of North America by Christopher Columbus, who believed he had reached the Indies, in Asia, when he arrived on the American continent in 1492. The term is therefore not only geographically incorrect, but was also imposed by European colonizers with no regard for the diverse cultures and identities of indigenous peoples.
Psst! By the way, we have a Can we say “indigenous peoples”, in which we talk about the right terms to use. We invite you to consult it!
Even though communities today are still officially called “Indian reserves”, and the 1987 Constitutional Act is still officially called the “Indian Act”, the term generally evokes a connotation of colonialism for many Aboriginal people in Canada. In any case, who wants to be called by a term that comes from a mistake and in no way corresponds to their identity?
Even the term “Indian” makes it clear that the expression is offensive and insensitive to aboriginal people. But let’s get on with it!
A past and present of Canadian colonialism
It’s increasingly well known, but Canada’s history is one of colonization, dispossession of Indigenous lands, and attempts at forced assimilation, such as the residential school system.
The expression “too many chiefs, not enough Indians” illustrates a form of dehumanization rooted in Canada’s colonial history, where Aboriginal peoples have been systematically marginalized and reduced to stereotypes. Historically, colonization policies such as residential schools and forced relocations sought to erase Indigenous cultures and identities, regarding them as inferior and subaltern.
This persistent dehumanization also manifests itself in language. Expressions like this perpetuate the idea that Aboriginal people are less important or less competent, reinforcing prejudices and degrading stereotypes.
Let’s not forget that this violence is not just historical; it persists today in various forms. We can think of the over-representation of indigenous people in the prison and child protection systems, as well as the disappearances and murders of aboriginal women and girls.
An expression… that makes no sense!
There are already enough explanations to justify the eradication of this expression from the vocabulary, but let’s add the icing on the cake!
The expression “too many chiefs, not enough Indians” is incoherent, because it’s based on a false dichotomy. Chiefs” and ‘Indians’ are not distinct groups. In fact, chiefs are themselves members of indigenous communities.
And yes! Historically, indigenous communities have had well-established governance structures. Chiefs play essential roles as community leaders and guardians of cultural traditions and values. The idea that chiefs and Indians are two separate categories therefore makes no sense.
It also reflects a misunderstanding and distortion of Native cultural realities!
How do you transform this expression?
To avoid using an offensive and denigrating expression, here are some more respectful and inclusive alternatives:
“Too many decision-makers, not enough doers”.
“…chefs / cooks…”
“…coaches / players…”
“…generals / soldiers…”
It is therefore perfectly possible to replace certain expressions that have aged (very) badly with others that are much more neutral. In fact, many schools have stopped having children play “Chiefs and Indians”. The new trend? Zombies!
Do you enjoy inclusive language conversations? Want to create opportunities in your organization? We offer training on microaggressions, unconscious bias and inclusive writing! Contact us to arrange a session!
