School board shows courage

Dear Editor,

I’m writing to thank the Colusa school board for displaying the courage to do the right thing in voting to change Colusa High School’s mascot and theme. Thank also to the Indians and non-Indians who where willing to voice their support for the mascot change.

To those individuals wanting to keep the “Redskins” mascot, it is my sincere hope that you really “heard” us Indian people who spoke. That you will think about our efforts to explain and educate through our varied comments and that you will try to understand our concerns, certainly for ourselves and our children, but also for all people in learning to respect each other.

One of the women at the meeting said she was confused because a couple of Indian people voiced support for keeping the mascot, while several others were opposed to it. I tried to clear up her confusion.

But I must admit to confusion my own. I’ve heard several people say “Redskins” never was and is not now meant to be4 any way derogatory. Indeed, some individuals at the school board meeting made such statements. On the one hand I have no reason to doubt the sincerity of those individuals. But, on the other hand, I must ask; If the community is genuinely sincere about honoring the local Indian people, why do so many refuse to believe us when we say “Redskins” is derogatory, not an honor but an insult?

Again, it is my sincere hope that the community will think about the comments and concerns of us Indian people and embrace the mascot change. I believe a part of honoring us is listening to us and in embracing the mascot change, I believe the community will truly honor and embrace us by, in essence, saying, “We recognize you as living, breathing, intelligent and feeling human beings,” because in the word of Dr. Cornel Pewewardy, “There’s nothing indigenous cultures that I’m aware of that aspires to be a mascot, logo or nickname for athletic teams. Teachers should research the matter and discover that indigenous people would never have associated the sacred practices of becoming a warrior with the hoopla of a pep rally, halftime entertainment, or a sidekick to cheerleaders, Even though this issue has become as American as apple pie and baseball, making fun of indigenous people in athletic events across the country is wrong!’

Maria E. Mitchum