White Guy Sporting Native Regalia

Art by Eric Parnell

I was born here and have always like NW Coastal native art. I’m a white guy and have sported native stuff since I was a kid. I’m a millennial who grew up with NW Coastal culture as a big part of my upbringing. Presumably, my native swag was always purchased by tribal vendors and I’ve never bought anything myself that wasn’t. The world is a little different and it’s made me more apprehensive sporting native stuff. Mostly because of the possibility of appropriation.

Is it OK for a white guy to represent native stuff now days? Is there a better sub to ask?

I’m not a member of the community and don’t do any direct action to better the community. My time is tapped trying to survive. I do try to educate people I’m around. NW Coastal feels like identity to me, but like maybe because I identify with the stolen land here. FWIW, I’m not actually totally white but have all the privilege.