Kris Jenner Slammed By Largest Native American Group As Controversy Grows Over Her ‘Indian Giver’ Comment
Nov. 3 2011, Published 8:00 a.m. ET
By Alexis Tereszcuk - RadarOnline.com Senior Reporter
The backlash against Kris Jenner is exploding over her use of the phrase “Indian giver,” and the largest American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the country has told RadarOnline.com exclusively that her comment “wrong and hurtful.”
“Once again American Indians and Alaska Natives have been misrepresented by a single misinformed statement. Native American people serve in our country’s military at disproportionate rates, are respected business leaders, citizens of the United States, members of Congress, professional athletes, musicians, teachers and active participants in civic life,” Jacqueline Johnson Pata, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians, told RadarOnline.com exclusively.
Pata was referring to Jenner’s use of the phrase “Indian giver” on Good Morning America after saying that she hoped her son-in-law Kris Humphries didn’t want the engagement ring he gave her daughter Kim Kardahsian back.
“The phrase “Indian giving” is wrong and hurtful,” she added. “The cultural values of Native Americans are based on giving unconditionally and empowering those around them. Instead this cultural value is forgotten when negative stereotyping of Native people occurs.
“November is Native American Heritage Month and this moment calls for a reflection on the contributions of America’s first peoples to this great country. There are over 5 million US citizens identified as American Indians or Alaska Natives and 565 federally recognized tribal nations. This November we’re focused on celebrating 1.7 million Native youth under the age of 18 that face many challenges. There are many hopeful solutions and we invite the Jenner and Kardashian family to join with the country in learning more during Native American Heritage Month.”
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, an organization that serves the Native American community called Kris’s comment “false and hurtful,” as well.
Kris is on a media tour for her new book but is spending time doing damage control from the outrage fans feel against Kim for filing for divorce from Kris after just 72 days.
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