From the late 1600's and a two or three centuries after, this word had a different meaning in the United States, and was a term introduced by conquestors who took over turtle island and have not reliquished control since. The definition was synonymous with "barbaric". It with the same vile intention that the n-word was used. It was often used to justify the conquestor's ability to use blatant disrespect and other crimes against humanity, because "it's okay to hurt bad people, it's okay to steal from bad people, it's okay if bad people die."
I can't speak for all natives, but I'm not ready to reclaim it yet, considering that most of y'all think we don't even exist anymore.
savage not average — a maxim for people who have moved beyond a mere “attitude of gratitude” and want to use their god given human talents to do more than just wait for a blessing.
A person who is savage and not average is a trail blazer.
While it is prudent to be thankful for what we receive; it is also possible to participate in the creativity of the universe by adding our own actions to universal processes to “help things along”. It’s the difference between carrying water from a river vs. digging a deep well and installing pipes and infrastructure.
If you notice that you are usually the first to try something difficult endeavors; but after you prove it can be done others follow in your footsteps you, my friend, are savage not average.