Native American Guardian Association addresses mascot task force
The second mascot task force meeting was held for MCHS virtually via zoom on March 2 and included two guest speakers: Tony Henson from central Illinois and Eunice Davison, a member of the Spirit Lake Tribe located in North Dakota.
Both Henson and Davison are members of the Native American Guardian Association (NAGA), which advocates for education on Native American heritage.
NAGA wants to encourage communities to maintain accurate logos and imagery. They have no motive to erase the Native imagery in schools, but to instead maintain it in a respectful manner that they believe isn’t offensive.
The NAGA website states that it is a “501c3 non-profit organization advocating for increased education about Native Americans, especially in public educational institutions, and greater recognition of Native American Heritage through the high profile venues of sports and other public platforms.”
Henson and Davison have reviewed various high schools and organizations across the country where they decide whether their imagery is deemed disrespectful.
A question regarding The Peace Pipe Chatter, the name of the student newspaper this article is published under, being offensive was brought to the attention of Henson and Davidson during the task force meeting. Davidson briefly spoke about how sacred the peace pipe is and did not appear fond of the title.
In concerns of other items such as the Minooka’s arrow and Indian head logos, Henson and Davidson said that they would need to closely examine them to see if they were problematic, but they are something that could potentially still be used in some way.
In opinion of Dr. Kenneth Lee, superintendent, the goal of the meeting was to get one perspective, allow questions to be asked, and then let everyone ponder on them for a couple weeks to come back to and discuss during the next meeting.
The next meeting will occur on March 15 virtually via Zoom.
Related stories:
Mascot task force committee formed, Feb. 24, 2021
When schools look to change mascots, Dec. 10, 2020
Nicholas Willis • Mar 23, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Thank you for keeping a open mind . Many Native Americans approve of these names and Images. Minooka doesn’t have a mascot they have a respectable logo and name. Best of Luck on your decision .
Nicholas
Cedar City Redmen
Educate Not Eradicate
John Kane • Mar 23, 2021 at 9:33 am
This group has a singular purpose; to fight all the real Native organizations that oppose Native mascots. Their characterization that NCAI and the overwhelming number of other legitimate Native organizations who oppose non-Natives using Native people for mascots are ALL leftist activists trying to promote a Marxist agenda is absolutely absurd.
This is a collection of individuals, many who are complete frauds, who are reeling from their favorite sports teams dumping their Native mascots. They are NOT educators!
Donna Fann-Boyle • Mar 17, 2021 at 12:45 pm
Calling on naga to advise you task force is not respectful to the numerous Native nations, organizations and people who have stand against being used as mascots. Research evidence proves the harm caused by using the Native minority as a stereotypical representation for a predominantly non Native white school district and community. Your task force needs to do a better job of reaching out respected Native people and groups. NAGA is not respected by Natives.
NCAI has made it perfectly clear that naga does not speak for Natives….please choose a real respected organization to educate your community.
NCAI’s approved paragraph on NAGA
a. “It is our understanding that the Native American Guardians Association in the past has purported to speak for and misrepresent the formal positions of tribal nations, who are on record opposing these mascots. NAGA does not have the authority to do. To our knowledge, NAGA and its members do not formally represent the position and interests of tribal nations, governments, and their leaders. Conversely, the National Congress of American Indians — which is a formal, national Congress of tribal nations — has passed numerous consensus-based resolutions declaring Indian Country’s unified opposition to these mascots, dating back more than 50 years.”