Maybe you are sarcastic or maybe you are trying to make a point in a light-hearted way, but while the word has plenty of history, "American Indian" is not a term particularly frowned upon. The museum in DC is called that way, and plenty of tribes prefer to have ownership over the term instead of it being unilaterally changed. I personally use the two interchangeably (which would probably make *someone* uncomfortable because of some connotation, and I will just be respectful and talk with that person).

The chief of a local tribe said he preferred Native American to refer to the present, but Indian for historical references

>Maybe you are sarcastic or maybe you are trying to make a point in a light-hearted way

Both to be honest.

>"American Indian" is not a term particularly frowned upon.

Are you saying that or have you asked a native American?..because that's the whole point i try to make.

I was asked by an Indian to use the term Indian: "I'm not a 'Native American'. I'm an Indian!"

Then again, a friend of mine who's Apache asked me to use the term "Native American": "The people who want to be called Indian are ignorant people from the reservation." Which, wow. Seemed kinda presumptuous to me, but whatevs.

Apparently, some Indians find "Native American" offensive, and some Native Americans find "Indian" offensive. Just ask directly, is your best bet.

For a similar anecdote, I was in a group situation with someone from the Chumash tribe who demanded that he be referred to as "John" instead of "our First Peoples' representative" and further gave a brief lecture about how none of the Chumash were anywhere near "First" in the area.

Not sure if i can believe that story...

Well, if it's a more believable story to you, I've driven by many reservations that use either "native american", "american indian" or "sioux (or any specific name) nation" on the "now entering" signs. There's no consensus term and, as op said, your best bet is not to make assumptions and ask. Rational people aren't offended if you ask them how to be respectful.

A stranger on the internet disbelieving my true story irritated me more than it should have! Anyway, from one internet stranger to another: believe me, it's true. Have I ever lied to you?

Yes, that is the whole point (and it is why I edited to add the parenthetical at the end). My claim was based on books and lectures on the experience of Native Americans. If a person prefers to be called (or their people called) a certain way, of course I would respect their preference.

This is a great reference, but you might need to give some context if you do not want knee-jerk downvotes.

This video is from CGP Grey's educational channel and it is an essay/study on different people's (in particular Native Americans) views of the name "American Indian".

Fair enough. I was on my phone when I posted that and I agree that I could have provided a bit more context than a random Youtube link. Thanks for filling in the details for people