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Roseburg School District Superintendent Lee Paterson stands on the football field at Roseburg High School last week. If Roseburg High School has to change their Indians mascot, Paterson estimates it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to erase all evidence of the Indians at the school. From the artificial turf to sports uniforms, the Indians are everywhere.
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Roseburg High freshman Cheyenne Swindell, left, sophomore Shayna Versteeg, middle, and Roseburg High Bleacher Bum advisor Nichole Louder work the spirit booth at a recent football game at the school. The Indians gear that is sold at the booth would have to be changed if the school is forced to change their mascot.
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If North Douglas High School had to change their Warriors mascot, Superintendent Dan Forbess estimates the cost of getting rid of the Warriors would be $10,000 to $15,000. Changing the gym floor would be the biggest expense.
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North Douglas High School’s original Warrior figure from the 1950s was based on a Mohawk Carpets caricature originally drawn by Walt Disney. A decade ago the school gave its Willie the Warrior mascot, shown here, a new look.
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Reedsport High has been home of the Braves since at least the 1950s. The school’s imagery is represented by a variety of romanticized chiefs.
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Last week North Douglas School District Superintendent Dan Forbess received a letter in the mail full of documentation about American Indian-related mascots.
He was surprised to learn that a committee put together by the State Board of Education has been talking about such mascots for more than a year, especially since a draft report by the committee recommends all Indian-related mascots at state-funded schools be eliminated by Sept. 1, 2011.
State officials have emphasized the recommendations are only a first draft, and no decision has been made.
Because North Douglas High School's nickname is the Warriors, Forbess is one of more than a dozen high school administrators who have been invited to a meeting Oct. 23 to respond to the recommendations. Elementary and middle schools, though they are included in the committee's recommendations, have not yet been invited to comment, said Roseburg Superintendent Lee Paterson.
Forbess was left wondering why he's just now hearing about the committee. He's not the only one.
In Douglas County, the Roseburg Indians and the Reedsport Braves could also be affected. Paterson and Reedsport Superintendent Forrest Bell both heard about the committee when reporters called to find out what they thought.
"They've had three meetings, and this is the very first time I've had a shred of information officially from the Department of Education," Paterson said. "I'm really disappointed in the process. The whole issue is about respect, and how respectful is this process?"
He was surprised to learn that a committee put together by the State Board of Education has been talking about such mascots for more than a year, especially since a draft report by the committee recommends all Indian-related mascots at state-funded schools be eliminated by Sept. 1, 2011.
State officials have emphasized the recommendations are only a first draft, and no decision has been made.
Because North Douglas High School's nickname is the Warriors, Forbess is one of more than a dozen high school administrators who have been invited to a meeting Oct. 23 to respond to the recommendations. Elementary and middle schools, though they are included in the committee's recommendations, have not yet been invited to comment, said Roseburg Superintendent Lee Paterson.
Forbess was left wondering why he's just now hearing about the committee. He's not the only one.
In Douglas County, the Roseburg Indians and the Reedsport Braves could also be affected. Paterson and Reedsport Superintendent Forrest Bell both heard about the committee when reporters called to find out what they thought.
"They've had three meetings, and this is the very first time I've had a shred of information officially from the Department of Education," Paterson said. "I'm really disappointed in the process. The whole issue is about respect, and how respectful is this process?"
<b>THE PROCESS</b>
In April of 2006, Che Butler was a student at Taft High School in Lincoln City. He and his sister Luhui Whitebear made a presentation to the Oregon Indian Education Association Board. They said Indian mascots perpetuate racial stereotypes and that society wouldn't tolerate similar portrayals of other racial groups.
That month at its annual conference, the Oregon Indian Education Association passed a resolution asking for the elimination of American Indian-related mascots.
In December of 2006, Butler and Whitebear made their presentation to the State Board of Education.
"This came about not from on high, but it came about because of a student's leadership," said the department's Chief Policy Officer Patrick Burk.
State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo appointed staff to form an advisory committee, which looked at what other states and national organizations have done.
Burk said more meetings may be scheduled after Oct. 23 if the committee thinks they're needed. Then the committee will give its final report to Castillo. She will decide whether to give the recommendations to the state board, or ask for additional input or clarification.
Burk said the committee isn't necessarily saying all use of American Indian mascots should be eliminated.
"It's one of a range of choices," he said, adding that the use of American Indian mascots isn't necessarily bad. "Those are terms that also within the Native American community carry positive meaning."
In April of 2006, Che Butler was a student at Taft High School in Lincoln City. He and his sister Luhui Whitebear made a presentation to the Oregon Indian Education Association Board. They said Indian mascots perpetuate racial stereotypes and that society wouldn't tolerate similar portrayals of other racial groups.
That month at its annual conference, the Oregon Indian Education Association passed a resolution asking for the elimination of American Indian-related mascots.
In December of 2006, Butler and Whitebear made their presentation to the State Board of Education.
"This came about not from on high, but it came about because of a student's leadership," said the department's Chief Policy Officer Patrick Burk.
State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo appointed staff to form an advisory committee, which looked at what other states and national organizations have done.
Burk said more meetings may be scheduled after Oct. 23 if the committee thinks they're needed. Then the committee will give its final report to Castillo. She will decide whether to give the recommendations to the state board, or ask for additional input or clarification.
Burk said the committee isn't necessarily saying all use of American Indian mascots should be eliminated.
"It's one of a range of choices," he said, adding that the use of American Indian mascots isn't necessarily bad. "Those are terms that also within the Native American community carry positive meaning."
What's unacceptable are images, language or gestures that would be demeaning or insulting, he said.
The first draft from the committee, dated Aug. 21, wouldn't allow that flexibility, however.
"We recommend the Superintendent of Public Instruction propose policy to the State Board of Education that would mandate a ban on the use of all Native American names, mascots and logos by Oregon schools that receive public funding," the draft says.
The draft also recommends educating students about American Indian stereotypes and using culturally accurate educational materials.
Burk said the committee was formed as an advisory group primarily of tribal representation to clarify the issue from the American Indian viewpoint. It also included the Oregon School Boards Association and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators.
<b>LOCAL ISSUES</b>
But local school officials say they didn't hear from either group and weren't included in any discussions.
"That's completely frustrating to me," Bell said.
The first draft from the committee, dated Aug. 21, wouldn't allow that flexibility, however.
"We recommend the Superintendent of Public Instruction propose policy to the State Board of Education that would mandate a ban on the use of all Native American names, mascots and logos by Oregon schools that receive public funding," the draft says.
The draft also recommends educating students about American Indian stereotypes and using culturally accurate educational materials.
Burk said the committee was formed as an advisory group primarily of tribal representation to clarify the issue from the American Indian viewpoint. It also included the Oregon School Boards Association and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators.
<b>LOCAL ISSUES</b>
But local school officials say they didn't hear from either group and weren't included in any discussions.
"That's completely frustrating to me," Bell said.
Language about racism in the report upset Forbess.
"The elimination of Native American mascots can lead to the end of culturally abusive behavior and this piece of institutionalized racism towards Native American people," the draft says.
"All of a sudden the word 'racist' comes up in the report," Forbess said. "When did that come into the conversation? ... That's a pretty good leap for us, and we haven't even been included in the conversation."
He said if the Warriors mascot is offensive, he would be happy to talk about it, but communities are frustrated that a symbol they take pride in is being called racist.
Bell thinks talking about mascots is legitimate, but, like the other superintendents, he thinks it should be a local conversation.
"Wouldn't they at least have raised this issue first with the local community?" he said. "But they didn't do that. ... If we decide that this is culturally insensitive and should be changed, I'm OK with that. I just think it should be left with the local people."
The Oregon School Activities Association agrees. Executive Director Tom Welter said a representative was on the advisory committee. The OSAA has no input into mascots, school colors or fight songs, Welter said.
It does put out guidelines about sportsmanship that encourage positive messages and respect for other teams.
In 13 years, Welter said he has never heard a complaint from a member school or patron about a school's mascot.
"If there are concerns, they ought to be addressed at the local school level," he said.
"The elimination of Native American mascots can lead to the end of culturally abusive behavior and this piece of institutionalized racism towards Native American people," the draft says.
"All of a sudden the word 'racist' comes up in the report," Forbess said. "When did that come into the conversation? ... That's a pretty good leap for us, and we haven't even been included in the conversation."
He said if the Warriors mascot is offensive, he would be happy to talk about it, but communities are frustrated that a symbol they take pride in is being called racist.
Bell thinks talking about mascots is legitimate, but, like the other superintendents, he thinks it should be a local conversation.
"Wouldn't they at least have raised this issue first with the local community?" he said. "But they didn't do that. ... If we decide that this is culturally insensitive and should be changed, I'm OK with that. I just think it should be left with the local people."
The Oregon School Activities Association agrees. Executive Director Tom Welter said a representative was on the advisory committee. The OSAA has no input into mascots, school colors or fight songs, Welter said.
It does put out guidelines about sportsmanship that encourage positive messages and respect for other teams.
In 13 years, Welter said he has never heard a complaint from a member school or patron about a school's mascot.
"If there are concerns, they ought to be addressed at the local school level," he said.
<b>INDIAN VIEWS</b>
Jim Thornton, vice president of the Oregon Indian Education Association, said mascots have been talked about for at least 30 years in Oregon.
He said when the association passed its resolution opposing the mascot names, it looked at other communities and organizations across the country.
"We're not coming up with something that's from a vacuum," he said. "What we found is that our state is really kind of behind dealing with it."
He knows people are sensitive about their mascots, and he understands schools that say their mascots are honoring American Indians.
"That's all well and good, but it's up to the people who feel that they're being honored," he said. "It's really something that you have to ask people that are affected whether it's an honor or not."
Jim Thornton, vice president of the Oregon Indian Education Association, said mascots have been talked about for at least 30 years in Oregon.
He said when the association passed its resolution opposing the mascot names, it looked at other communities and organizations across the country.
"We're not coming up with something that's from a vacuum," he said. "What we found is that our state is really kind of behind dealing with it."
He knows people are sensitive about their mascots, and he understands schools that say their mascots are honoring American Indians.
"That's all well and good, but it's up to the people who feel that they're being honored," he said. "It's really something that you have to ask people that are affected whether it's an honor or not."
In Douglas County, the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians has decided not to weigh in.
"The Cow Creek Tribe recognizes that the 'Indian mascot' issue is a highly contentious and emotional issue for many people and organizations on both sides of the argument, Indian and non-Indian alike," said Chairwoman Sue Shaffer in a written statement. "We respect the rights of the various parties to have different and strong opinions.
"However, the Roseburg High School mascot is not a priority issue for the Cow Creek Tribe," she said. "The community at large needs to sort out this matter over time and with civility. ... We do not intend to be pulled into the matter to support any side of the debate because it is being used by some on either side for personal attention or to distract us from the Cow Creek's mission of building strong children, families and community."
The tribe's general counsel, Wayne Shammel, said the tribe was not included on the Native American Mascot Advisory Committee.
"We're going to support Roseburg High School regardless of what they call themselves," he said.
Shammel said when problems were brought up in the past, students handled them, and he personally believes they have the wisdom to sort out any current problems.
<b>HISTORY</b>
Officials from Roseburg, North Douglas and Reedsport believe the nicknames their schools use were chosen out of respect for the American Indian culture surrounding the schools.
None of the schools has a physical mascot at sports event, and they use varying images along with their nicknames.
Paterson thinks Roseburg High School has had its Indians nickname since around the turn of the century. The school used to portray American Indians more, but in recent years its primary symbol has been a feather.
"We try to be more sensitive and respectful," he said. "We have had in the past behaviors that we've recognized that were over the line."
About 15 years ago, a man came to games dressed up as Indian, Paterson said. He was asked not to do so again. When he did, police escorted him off campus.
When Roseburg students cross the line, the school considers it a "teaching moment," Paterson said.
The high school had a "teaching moment" in 2003 when a student, attempting to be satirical and critical of the school administration, wrote an editorial in the school newspaper using negative American Indian stereotypes.
"We worked through that," Principal Karen Goirigolzarri said. "We've watched very carefully and vigilantly to be honorable and respectful. We hold this responsibility very seriously."
A decade ago, North Douglas gave its Willie the Warrior mascot a new look.
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians asked the school to give the short, fat cartoon character a nobler look, and in 1996, the School Board agreed to do so. The original figure from the 1950s was based on a Mohawk Carpets caricature originally drawn by Walt Disney.
The redesign came before Forbess was superintendent. The only complaint he has heard came through an instructional aide after her mother, an American Indian, told stories at the school.
"She raised some concern about the symbol that we have," Forbess said. "That would be a good way to start the conversation in our community."
Bell said he isn't aware of any complaints with the Braves' nickname or imagery, which is represented by a variety of romanticized chiefs.
Reedsport has been the home of the Braves since at least the 1950s, Bell said.
<b>RAMIFICATIONS</b>
If schools are forced to change mascots and all imagery associated with it, they wonder who will pay for the changes.
Paterson estimates it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to erase all evidence of the Indians at Roseburg High. From the artificial turf to sports uniforms, the Indians are everywhere. There's even evidence in the courtyard, which is designed as an American Indian basket, but it can only be seen from the air.
Bell doesn't know how much changes would cost Reedsport.
"We'd need some major revisions of our building," Bell said. "It's sure going to be expensive for a little district that doesn't have much money."
The Braves are emblazoned in the track and are on the interior and exterior of the school's buildings. Even the sign in front of the school says "Home of the Braves."
Forbess estimates getting rid of the Warriors would cost $10,000 to $15,000. The biggest expense would be the gym floor. Printed materials, decals and school spirit items would also have to be redesigned.
<b>REACTIONS</b>
"I think it's very sad that this is happening," said Roseburg Booster Board member Carol Johnson. "I believe all the Indian names that are chosen are because the school feels proud and strong."
"Instead of worrying about some of the cultural issues that our society deals with, the State School Board needs to focus on reading, writing and arithmetic so that our children can be better equipped to function in society," said 41-year-old Tom Dever, a parent. "Culture issues are important, but culture issues will not allow our children to find better jobs."
Ashley Pepper, a junior at Roseburg, is on the drill team and also helps sell T-shirts and other Indians gear at sporting events.
She's never seen anything negative from other schools, she said, and she doesn't think Roseburg should have to change its mascot.
"What are we going to change it to?" her friend, freshman Cheyenne Swindell, said. "The Feathers?"
"What are the Feathers going to do?" Pepper asked. "Tickle you to death?"
Swindell doesn't like the idea of changing the mascot either.
"We show pride and we don't show any negativity," she said.
"It's been the mascot for so long, and nothing else seems right," junior Josh Davis said.
* You can reach reporter Teresa Williams at 957-4230 or via e-mail at twilliams@newsreview.info.
"The Cow Creek Tribe recognizes that the 'Indian mascot' issue is a highly contentious and emotional issue for many people and organizations on both sides of the argument, Indian and non-Indian alike," said Chairwoman Sue Shaffer in a written statement. "We respect the rights of the various parties to have different and strong opinions.
"However, the Roseburg High School mascot is not a priority issue for the Cow Creek Tribe," she said. "The community at large needs to sort out this matter over time and with civility. ... We do not intend to be pulled into the matter to support any side of the debate because it is being used by some on either side for personal attention or to distract us from the Cow Creek's mission of building strong children, families and community."
The tribe's general counsel, Wayne Shammel, said the tribe was not included on the Native American Mascot Advisory Committee.
"We're going to support Roseburg High School regardless of what they call themselves," he said.
Shammel said when problems were brought up in the past, students handled them, and he personally believes they have the wisdom to sort out any current problems.
<b>HISTORY</b>
Officials from Roseburg, North Douglas and Reedsport believe the nicknames their schools use were chosen out of respect for the American Indian culture surrounding the schools.
None of the schools has a physical mascot at sports event, and they use varying images along with their nicknames.
Paterson thinks Roseburg High School has had its Indians nickname since around the turn of the century. The school used to portray American Indians more, but in recent years its primary symbol has been a feather.
"We try to be more sensitive and respectful," he said. "We have had in the past behaviors that we've recognized that were over the line."
About 15 years ago, a man came to games dressed up as Indian, Paterson said. He was asked not to do so again. When he did, police escorted him off campus.
When Roseburg students cross the line, the school considers it a "teaching moment," Paterson said.
The high school had a "teaching moment" in 2003 when a student, attempting to be satirical and critical of the school administration, wrote an editorial in the school newspaper using negative American Indian stereotypes.
"We worked through that," Principal Karen Goirigolzarri said. "We've watched very carefully and vigilantly to be honorable and respectful. We hold this responsibility very seriously."
A decade ago, North Douglas gave its Willie the Warrior mascot a new look.
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians asked the school to give the short, fat cartoon character a nobler look, and in 1996, the School Board agreed to do so. The original figure from the 1950s was based on a Mohawk Carpets caricature originally drawn by Walt Disney.
The redesign came before Forbess was superintendent. The only complaint he has heard came through an instructional aide after her mother, an American Indian, told stories at the school.
"She raised some concern about the symbol that we have," Forbess said. "That would be a good way to start the conversation in our community."
Bell said he isn't aware of any complaints with the Braves' nickname or imagery, which is represented by a variety of romanticized chiefs.
Reedsport has been the home of the Braves since at least the 1950s, Bell said.
<b>RAMIFICATIONS</b>
If schools are forced to change mascots and all imagery associated with it, they wonder who will pay for the changes.
Paterson estimates it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to erase all evidence of the Indians at Roseburg High. From the artificial turf to sports uniforms, the Indians are everywhere. There's even evidence in the courtyard, which is designed as an American Indian basket, but it can only be seen from the air.
Bell doesn't know how much changes would cost Reedsport.
"We'd need some major revisions of our building," Bell said. "It's sure going to be expensive for a little district that doesn't have much money."
The Braves are emblazoned in the track and are on the interior and exterior of the school's buildings. Even the sign in front of the school says "Home of the Braves."
Forbess estimates getting rid of the Warriors would cost $10,000 to $15,000. The biggest expense would be the gym floor. Printed materials, decals and school spirit items would also have to be redesigned.
<b>REACTIONS</b>
"I think it's very sad that this is happening," said Roseburg Booster Board member Carol Johnson. "I believe all the Indian names that are chosen are because the school feels proud and strong."
"Instead of worrying about some of the cultural issues that our society deals with, the State School Board needs to focus on reading, writing and arithmetic so that our children can be better equipped to function in society," said 41-year-old Tom Dever, a parent. "Culture issues are important, but culture issues will not allow our children to find better jobs."
Ashley Pepper, a junior at Roseburg, is on the drill team and also helps sell T-shirts and other Indians gear at sporting events.
She's never seen anything negative from other schools, she said, and she doesn't think Roseburg should have to change its mascot.
"What are we going to change it to?" her friend, freshman Cheyenne Swindell, said. "The Feathers?"
"What are the Feathers going to do?" Pepper asked. "Tickle you to death?"
Swindell doesn't like the idea of changing the mascot either.
"We show pride and we don't show any negativity," she said.
"It's been the mascot for so long, and nothing else seems right," junior Josh Davis said.
* You can reach reporter Teresa Williams at 957-4230 or via e-mail at twilliams@newsreview.info.
So you know ... Advisory committee participants
The following agencies were invited to participate on the Native American Mascot Advisory Committee, according to the Oregon Indian Education Association Web site:
• Oregon School Boards Association • Oregon Indian Education Youth Association • Oregon Civil Right Commission • Higher Education Native American Programs • Oregon Indian Education Association • Confederated Tribes of Oregon, Government to Government Education Cluster • Confederated Tribes of Oregon, Government to Government Cultural Cluster • Oregon Schools Activities Association • Oregon Indian Education Council • Oregon Indian Coalition on Post Secondary Education • Commission on Indian Services • Coalition of School Administrators • Oregon Education Association The committee had three meetings in June, July and August. The committee will meet with representatives from school districts Oct. 23 in Salem. After the meeting, State Schools Superintendent will decide whether to hold more meetings or make a recommendation to the State Board of Education. |
