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ON MASCOTS AND "UNCLAIMED" LANDS - THE ONGOING DEMEANING OF THE NATIVE PEOPLE
by Susan Bates
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NCAA Bans Indian Mascots, Nicknames From Postseason Events
According to an AP newswire release, the NCAA has ruled that teams will not be allowed to use Indian Mascots and "hostile and abusive" nicknames during postseason play. The rest of the time the demeaning practice will be allowed.
Eighteen schools currently have mascots that fall into the hostile and abusive category, including Arkansas State
University and the University of Illinois, whose Chief Illiniwek has been the center of much controversy. Having been born and raised in the heart of Illini country, I can see both sides of the issue.
I went to high school with a future Chief Illiniwek, who happened to be the son of a previous Chief Illiniwek. These men, as well as the fans, have great respect for the "Chief" and much effort is put into learning the "correct" dances
and proud movements the Chief displayed during the games.
Looking back I can see now that it is no wonder that Natives of the area aren't thought of as real people and given the
respect they should have. The main thing I learned about local "Indians" in my 12 years of schooling was that Abraham Lincoln fought in the Black Hawk Wars to make Illinois safe for decent white folk.
Now that I am older I understand how seeing my People used in this way is hurtful. I can't think of another race that
is portrayed as a mascot by a school that isn't comprised of that race. I'd bet the ranch that there will never be a school mascot called the Jungle Bunny or the Jabbering Jews. Everyone knows those terms are offensive.
Arkansas State director of athletics, Dean Lee, issued the following statement concerning the NCAA post season
ban on "hostile and abusive nicknames." "At Arkansas State University, we take great pride in being called the Indians. In fact, in 2006, we will be celebrating 75 years of having "Indians" as an athletic nickname. The comments we have received from our fans and alumni are overwhelming in support of our portrayal of the Native American heritage on the fields and the court of play. It is our objective to represent Native Americans in a dignified and stately manner. We believe that our use of the nickname "Indians" and "The Indian Family" as our mascot affords the Native American customs and history the fullest respect and integrity...."
Perhaps if more attention was paid to teaching the real truth about our People and what happened to them, the questions of demeaning mascots might become a moot point.
Meanwhile, in other news....
The Interior Department Asks Congress For Power To Take Indian Lands (Again)
The Bush administration has asked Congress for the power to confiscate "unclaimed" Indian lands. Nearly 49,000 Indian beneficiaries who are owed an estimated $73.9 million would be affected. The proposal will be tacked on to the Native American Omnibus Act of 2005 which is scheduled to be voted on at any time. The bill was approved by Senator John McCain's committee on May 12 and could be scheduled for a Senate vote any time.
Source: Native News Online
Charles Chibitty Passes
Charles Chibitty, the last surviving Comanche Code Talker has died. Chibitty was one of 16 Comanches who used
their native language to prevent the enemy soldiers from intercepting messages during WWII. He was 83.
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What hurts Indians most is that our costumes are considered beautiful, but it's as if the person wearing them didn't exist. --Rigoberta Menchu, Quiche Maya, 1990
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You can contact me at susanbates@webtv.net or write me at HC 73 Box 159-1, Drury, MO 65638
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan Bates. Visit Susan's website, Native American Journal, dedicated to helping people rediscover their heritage. She has helped thousands of people reconnect with their beloved ancestors and features insider tribal news. The Native American Journal is a truth-seeking, truth-telling website honoring everyone's path and preparing all for the Great Earth Changes. The Native American Journal supports Leonard Peltier, the Dineh, and Mother Earth.
E-Mail: susanbates@webtv.net
Website: http://members.tripod.com/-susanbates/nativeamericanjrnl-index.html
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See my Blog CLICK HERE - Add your comments
I can see both sides of the [Mascot] issue. I grew up in Illinois with the Collinsville Kahoks (Cahokian Indians) where we had a Chief and Maiden Princess as our two mascots. They had to learn the painstakingly detailed fire hoop dance as well as other dances. They had to be very fit athletically for this.
Even in my grade school of Holy Cross Lutheran our basketball team was called the "Braves". So, I was semi-subconsciously immersed in indiginous symbology from age of five (Kindergarten) to 18 (High School).
When I was 12, my older brother, Dennis, made Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. Our family went to Pierre Marquette State Park for his rite of passage ceremony. This ceremony involved him getting thumping hard on his chest by the leader of the organization. This was a ritualistic process for each Eagle Scout initiate steeped in indiginous symbology.
I observed all of this when I was young. Are we Native American? I don't honestly know the answer to that. Sometimes when I look at photos of my Grampa Sam he looks curiously like a few of these wonderful ancient Chiefs I've seen pictures of in books. Alot of Americans have Native American blood but haven't been told about it for one reason or another. It used to be shameful apparently.
I was always proud of this part of my high school memories. Our family, too, was much more balanced with regard to our view of our Native brothers and sisters. My Dad in particular was extremely drawn to their culture and did get a chance to come to Sedona at one point where I know he felt a strong connection with this sacred land.
All in all, I agree with the ban. Continuing down the disgraceful path we have already carved is not the answer. I think that it should be over now. Put to bed.
I feel we must step into a new space and release our nation's love/hate hold and rethink and recreate the old laws and rules in favor of our Native brothers and sisters, caring for them as much as we would care for our own children, parents, grandparents, and elders.
Thank you Susan for helping to shed and share more Light.
Aho.
Deidre
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