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For a long time, in schools and day camps, children were asked to “sit Indian” to listen to a story or participate in an activity. If this expression sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone: it’s very common in Quebec! But today, more and more people are choosing not to use it anymore… and for very good reasons!
As part of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, this is a great opportunity to reflect on our everyday language and the impact that certain expressions can have, even when they seem harmless. So let’s talk about the origin of this expression, its implications, and what we can say instead.
Where does the expression “sit like an Indian” come from?
The expression refers to a sitting position on the floor with legs crossed, often used by children in schools, daycare centers, or learning environments. Although the exact origin of this expression is unknown, in North American popular culture, this posture has been widely associated with Indigenous peoples, hence the name.
However, this language was used at a time when terms related to indigenous peoples were employed imprecisely, often without any real knowledge of the cultures concerned. The expression therefore became established in common usage, not because it accurately described a culturally significant stance, but rather because it conveyed a vague and generalized idea that was rarely questioned.
This type of language also reflects a time when people spoke about Indigenous peoples without them and when their cultures were often simplified or folklorized in mainstream discourse. Today, we recognize that these ways of speaking need to be rethought, with a view to respect, accuracy, and reconciliation.
Why do we avoid saying “sit in Indian style” today?
The first problem is the word “Indian” itself. It is a colonial term, based on a historical error (no, Christopher Columbus was not in India), and has long been used to refer to all indigenous peoples in Canada as if they were a single homogeneous group. However, there is a great diversity of indigenous nations, languages, cultures, and traditions. Talking about “Indians” erases this richness. In fact, we explain in more detail why we no longer use the term “Indian” and which terms to use instead in other articles.
Secondly, the expression “sitting Indian style” reduces these cultures to a stereotypical image frozen in time, and sometimes even mocked or trivialized in discourse. Even if it is not said with malice, it contributes to perpetuating stereotypes, which is exactly what we are trying to deconstruct today in a process of reconciliation.
Because when we talk about “Indians” in the collective imagination, let’s be honest, the same images often come to mind: a feather headdress, a circle around a fire, a peace pipe, a mysterious shaman… These representations, largely derived from Western films, comic books, or Halloween costumes, portray Indigenous peoples as characters from a distant past, frozen in a romanticized or caricatured image. However, Indigenous peoples are not a “concept”; they are vibrant, modern, diverse communities with very real, contemporary realities.
Saying “sit like an Indian” therefore risks reinforcing this reductive view, which lumps all indigenous nations together into a single stereotype frozen in time. We forget that each nation has its own traditions, languages, and ways of life.
It is also an expression that can rekindle discomfort among some Indigenous people, particularly because it evokes a past of assimilation, mockery, or cultural erasure. At a time when we want to build respectful and equitable relationships with Indigenous communities, changing a simple expression is a small gesture, but it carries weight.
How to transform this expression
Good news! There are plenty of clear and respectful ways to talk about this position without resorting to stereotypes. Here are a few suggestions, depending on the context:
- Sitting like a tailor: this is the best-known alternative in French, especially among adults. It is neutral and descriptive.
- Sitting cross-legged: simple and straightforward, perfect for children.
- Take the listening position: this is now used by many teachers in educational settings with children (e.g., “we sit in the listening position and put a finger to our mouths”).
- Sit on the floor or sit comfortably to listen: if posture is not important, you can simply emphasize the objective (being calm, attentive, etc.).
The idea is simply to favor descriptive language that does not rely on cultural shortcuts.
What if we’re wrong?
Don’t panic. If you still sometimes use this expression out of habit, you are far from alone. This type of phrase is often ingrained in our habits from childhood. What matters is to be aware of it and make an effort to replace it.
Changing your language is a process. The important thing is to have the desire to do better, not to be perfect overnight! If you hear someone else say “sit in Indian style,” you can gently suggest an alternative. The approach is just as important as the message.
In conclusion: a small word, a big step
Questioning our everyday expressions may seem trivial, but it is a concrete step toward building a more respectful and inclusive environment. By replacing “sitting in Indian style” with a more neutral phrase, we contribute to collective awareness and a better understanding of the issues related to stereotypes and colonial heritage.
In September, during Reconciliation Month, let us also think about the words we choose. They are often what open (or close) the door to dialogue and recognition.
A card game to reflect on the evolution of language
Want to generate constructive discussions within your teams?
The DEI card game “Mettons que…” is for you!
Each card proposes a character rooted in a diverse identity, such as that of an aboriginal person in a professional context, to be reflected upon.
