Why were Native Americans called Red?

Why were Native Americans called Red? The Beothuk were said to paint their bodies with red ochre, leading white settlers to refer to them as “red men.” According to Smithsonian historian Ives Goddard, early historical records indicate that “Redskin” was used as a self-identifier by Native Americans to differentiate between the two races.

The Beothuk were said to paint their bodies with red ochre, leading white settlers to refer to them as “red men.” According to Smithsonian historian Ives Goddard, early historical records indicate that “Redskin” was used as a self-identifier by Native Americans to differentiate between the two races.