Our school perpetuates harmful stereotypes using “tomahawk chops” during football games and pretending to chant as well as keeping a Native American headdress at our school. The native community on several occasions has expressed deep offense taken from their culture being appropriated and misrepresented. By changing Happy Valleys theme we set an example of respect for indigenous culture in the future generationsThe football team call themselves the “warriors” and on flyers, walls, and merchandise you may find an offensive representation of a Native man with dark skin, large nose, and exaggerated cheekbones. Historically the exaggeration of certain racial features has been used to degrade and make a mockery of the features which may be found in a certain demographic; and while not directly malicious can contribute to an already rampant stereotype of Native culture as a whole.