Mascot committee hears why usage is seen as offensive
“At the end of the day, if you can’t make a compelling argument as to why your school should be called an archaic name for Native people in the word like ‘Indians,’ then I don’t know how you could make a compelling argument for keeping it,” John Kane said.
Kane, a Native American activist who hosts a talk show on his podcast called “Let’s talk Native…with John Kane,” was a guest speaker at the third MCHS mascot task force meeting held via Zoom on March 15.
During the meeting, Kane addressed the fact that the term “Indians” is inappropriate and a misnomer on its own because that’s not what Native Americans are referred to anymore.
“Not only that I think you should teach, I’ll help,” Kane said. “You want to invite me to come out to your school and talk to your kids? I would do that in a heartbeat.”
Kane has always been outspoken in regards to educating students on the Native American culture and history in a truthful and respectful manner.
Dr. Kenneth Lee, both superintendent and facilitator of the mascot task force meetings, has some thoughts and ideas as for what to accomplish in these next few meetings.
“One of our members brought up that maybe we should do a tour of [Central and South campus] the two buildings and walk through, take a look at the aesthetics and imagery to discuss,” Lee said.
The next few meetings of the task force will consist of more discussions to determine the best decisions concerning the usage of the mascot.
“I think if you go through this process and actually remove the mascot, I think that’s a teachable moment to explain to your student body [on why it’s offensive],” Kane said.
The task force meets via Zoom again on March 22 at 5 p.m.
*A previous version of this story mentioned John Kane indicating the term “Indians” was offensive. That has been corrected to more accurately portray his opinion that the term is inappropriate and a misnomer. The PPC regrets the error.
Related stories:
Native American Guardian Association addresses mascot task force, March 12, 2021
Mascot task force committee formed, Feb. 24, 2021
When schools look to change mascots, Dec. 10, 2020
Donna Fann-Boyle • Mar 23, 2021 at 6:28 am
where are the comments that were posted??
Patricia England • Mar 23, 2021 at 5:16 am
The American Psychological Association states that appropriation of a human culture is harmful to that culture. And it’s especially harmful to children within the culture. Why would a school do anything to harm children. Indigenous mascots harm children! It’s as simple as that.
John Kane • Mar 23, 2021 at 12:35 am
Not only did I never say the word “Indians” is offensive; I actually corrected one of the task force members when he tried to put those words in my mouth. I said the word is inappropriate when applied to Native people. It’s fine for folks from India. But for us it’s a misnomer causes by the ignorance of Columbus. It’s also a word that no one uses for us anymore. It’s no longer an accepted racial identifier. No modern government document, application or form lists “Indian” as an identifier or as a choice for a racial identity. No one calls us that!
What’s offensive is white folks claiming some bastardized Native identity for their amusement as school mascots. And any attempt now to add Native history or some kind of cultural training, is not about fixing an acknowledged problem. It’s about continuing it.
adviser • Mar 23, 2021 at 1:51 pm
The article has been updated and changed to better reflect the view of Mr. Kane.
Ian Washburn • Mar 22, 2021 at 10:40 pm
Natives are people, not mascots. Do right by rebranding away from any and all anti-Native themes with the next mascot. Get out of the “honoring” business. Don’t be last.
Donna Fann-Boyle • Mar 22, 2021 at 3:40 pm
please understand that this is not about offense it is about real harm
https://indiancountrytoday.com/news/study-finds-only-harmful-effects-from-native-themed-mascots
Donna Fann-Boyle • Mar 22, 2021 at 3:38 pm
please understand that your name of this publication is disrespectful.
https://teaching.usask.ca/indigenoussk/import/pipe_ceremony.php#:~:text=The%20pipe%20is%20very%20sacred%20to%20First%20Nations%20people.&text=This%20ceremony%20was%20also%20regarded,normally%20used%20for%20the%20ceremony.