Nonnative people may view indigenous people as having a harmonious relationship with nature and possessing an unspoiled spirituality. Sometimes indigenous people are viewed as tourist attractions, victims, and historical artifacts. Vizenor asserts that indigenous identities have been censored. Nonindigenous people do not want to see aspects of Native people that do not support their own ideas and beliefs, thus leading to a perpetuation of stereotypes. These external perceptions may influence how indigenous people view themselves.
-from Indigenous Identity What is It, and Who really has it? by Hilary N. Weaver
American Indian Quarterly /Spring 2001/Vol.25, No.2 page 247
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