Petition Overview:
The term "Sherpa" has been widely used by companies and organizations as a synonym for guides, assistants, and even for products like fur-lined jackets and blankets. While the Sherpa people are world-renowned for their contributions to mountaineering, this misuse of our community's name diminishes our rich history and culture. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes, reducing our identity to roles of servitude rather than recognizing the full scope of our heritage.

We, the Network of Sherpa Students & Professionals (NSSP), along with our coalition partners, are calling on organizations to stop the inappropriate use of the word “Sherpa.” We urge them to recognize the cultural significance of the Sherpa community and take meaningful action to address this misrepresentation. Join us in signing this letter of advocacy to ensure the Sherpa community’s voice is heard and our identity is respected.

 

 
 

Why is this important?

For decades, Sherpa people have been integral to the success of expeditions in the Himalayas. However, the name "Sherpa" has now been taken out of context and is often used without acknowledgement of the community that made it famous. This cultural appropriation not only commodifies our identity but also perpetuates stereotypes that contribute to real-world discrimination and microaggressions.

Sherpa individuals have been repeatedly subjected to offensive assumptions, often being asked to "carry bags" or "act as porters" solely based on their name. This misuse reinforces the stereotype that Sherpas are only guides or assistants, erasing the complexities and richness of our culture and contributions.

The Sherpa community is vibrant, with a rich cultural heritage spanning Nepal, India, Tibet, and the global diaspora. We deserve to define our identity on our own terms, free from appropriation.

 

 
 

What are we asking for?

We respectfully call on businesses and organizations that use the term “Sherpa” to:

Reconsider inappropriate use of the word “Sherpa” in their branding, products, and services when it is disconnected from our community.
Acknowledge the Sherpa community by providing an accurate and respectful context for the term, recognizing our culture and contributions.
Support Sherpa and Himalayan organizations that work to preserve our culture and improve the well-being of mountain communities.
By signing this petition, you are supporting our efforts to reclaim our name, protect our identity, and ensure that the Sherpa community is respected and celebrated for the right reasons.

 

 
 

How can you help?

Sign the petition to endorse our letter of advocacy and demand that organizations reflect on the cultural impact of their language.
Share this petition to spread awareness about the harmful appropriation of the term "Sherpa."
Support Sherpa organizations working to preserve our culture and heritage.
Thank you for standing with the Sherpa community. Together, we can ensure that our name is used with dignity and respect.

 

 
 

Sign the petition now to show your support!