Use conditional language instead! Instead of generalizing phrases like "all Native Americans", use conditional language such as "most Native Americans" or "different Indigenous cultures". There is no one "Indian" language, culture, or way of thinking. Generalizations negate the diversity of Native peoples and create an inaccurate understanding for students. Whenever possible, have your students learn about specific individuals from a community.
Only using the past tense reinforces the myth of the "Vanishing Indian" and negates the experiences and the dynamic cultures of Native peoples today. If your curriculum teaches the history of Native Americans, also do some research on the community today. Teach your students about contemporary culture and topics. Use the present tense and make Native Americans relevant and contemporary.
Emphasize that Indigenous peoples have living cultures that change over time. If you do need to use the past tense, provide context by including dates. Otherwise, it may seem like Native cultures are no longer living.
Common phrases like "Indian Princess", "Low man on the totem pole", "sitting Indian style", etc. perpetuate stereotypes and imply a monolithic culture. If you are unsure about a phrase, do some research into its origins and think about its meaning and implications.