The word in Brazil for indigenous people is indio. It doesn't carry negative connotations and is often considered a contraction for indigenous.
Each nation, culture, and language in the Americas has its own points of sensitivity. Don't describe "tribes" in Mexico and remember that the word is "first nations" in Canada while "native americans" works better in the USA. In Latin American "indian" is preferred when you don't actually know the specific nation in question and its native name.
For differentiating between East Indians and American Indians, remember the the politically correct terms are "casino Indian" and "call center Indian."
Each nation, culture, and language in the Americas has its own points of sensitivity. Don't describe "tribes" in Mexico and remember that the word is "first nations" in Canada while "native americans" works better in the USA. In Latin American "indian" is preferred when you don't actually know the specific nation in question and its native name.
For differentiating between East Indians and American Indians, remember the the politically correct terms are "casino Indian" and "call center Indian."