#native appropriation

Long story short, Warriors of the Cliffside is using w3nd1go as their main villain. It does look like they've also taken some from sk1nwalker stories as well. There is a HUUUGE issue with Native folklore + culture appropriation in warrior cats rp groups (+ the fandom in general) and this is just another gross ass case of it.

My proof?

1) The appearance matches most common w3nd1go designs, as well as written descriptions, including

-gaunt appearance

-mashup of multiple animals

-exceedingly tall

2) It's cannibalistic, and drawn to kill for the sole purpose of eating cats/people

3) It appeared at the end of a long and starving winter, the same as w3ndigo origin

4) It's known for its disturbing cry, and uses its voice to get prey alone and attack

5) Its found in the same region as w3ndigos

6) The reason why is different, but mixed with other factors its still telling, it has a disgusting smell that is one of the first things that people find about it

Granted, as this is a mystery in the server, and for anonymity of sources, I dont have server sources for everything, but I think this is more than enough to show the clear parallels and appropriation of this native folklore.

I think this paragraph from the paper Stolen Spirits: The Appropriation of the Windigo Spirit in Horror Literature by Kallie Hunchman puts it best:

By Taté Walker

The savvy among us know appropriation encourages the dominant culture to forget Natives are modern, contemporary people struggling to overcome nearly 600 years of campaigns to wipe us off the map. Who cares about epidemic rates of unemployment, academic failure, or youth suicide when your football team wins, am I right?

That said, there are many ways to truly honor and appreciate each of the 566 unique, federally recognized tribes in the US, and that includes adorning your kid’s toes in some comfy mocs (but not their head in a headdress).

With that, I give you four ways to honor Native Americans without dehumanizing them.