They weren't young kids. They were "early-20's Indian men drinking beer." "Braves" was easier to type, but I get your point. From now on I will only refer to Makahs thusly. As I explained, however, one of them who apparently had authority over the others defended me and I probably owe him my life, so I do consider him "brave." 

He could have gone along with the angry drunk, and turned the whole group against me, but he didn't. There are good and bad in most groups. "Punks" evokes images of Mohawk haircuts to me, and I didn't even see a single braid amongst them. I think I would have offended more of them by calling them punks than braves. Next time you're out there try it and let me know how it goes.