--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When asked by an anthropologist what the…" description: "\"When asked by an anthropologist what the Indians called America before the white men came, an Indian said simply \"Ours.\" — Vine Deloria Jr" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9a9/vine-deloria-jr-23632_america_when-asked-by-an-anthropologist-what-the_441385.jpg" --- # When asked by an anthropologist what the Indians called… ![“When asked by an anthropologist what the Indians called America before the white men came, an Indian said simply "Ours.” quote by Vine Deloria Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9a9/vine-deloria-jr-23632_america_when-asked-by-an-anthropologist-what-the_441385.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9a9/vine-deloria-jr-23632_america_when-asked-by-an-anthropologist-what-the_441385.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9a9/vine-deloria-jr-23632_america_when-asked-by-an-anthropologist-what-the_441385.jpg) > “When asked by an anthropologist what the Indians called America before the white men came, an Indian said simply "Ours.” [Vine Deloria Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vine-deloria-jr/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. An Indigenous scholar replies that America belongs to the original peoples, emphasizing native ownership before colonization. **In simple terms:** Indigenous peoples claim America as theirs. Key Takeaway Respect and acknowledge original stewardship. Themes colonialism indigenous rights identity Mood reflective serious Type historical cultural When to use this quote - education - policy making - land rights Key Concepts historical perspective ownership cultural sovereignty Questions to Reflect On - How can we honor Indigenous claims today? - What does “Ours” imply for national identity? A Different Perspective May overlook diverse tribal perspectives. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [America](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/america/) [Indians](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/indians/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) ## Related quotes > [When asked by an anthropologist what the Indians called America before the white man came, an Indian said simply, 'Ours.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/when-asked-by-an-anthropologist-what-the-indians-called-america-2/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I came into the Indian team and was touted as someone who did well only against weaker oppositions. There were doubts creeping into my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautam-gambhir/i-came-into-the-indian-team-and-was-touted-as-someone-who-did-well/) [Gautam Gambhir](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautam-gambhir/) > [The Indian danced on alone. The crowd clapped up the beat. The Indian danced with a chair. The crowd went crazy. 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