For years the Chippewa County's Sheriff's department has had a Native mascot, and that had been passively accepted by or even unknown to the public, ignoring potential issues with that imagery. But I will no longer allow that to happen. I am asking that the CCSD to change their outdated mascot for good.

According to the American Psychological Association, Native mascots tend to do more harm than good. They promote unwelcoming and hostile environments, encourage culturally abusive behavior, and often when Native people see these they tend to make them feel horrible about their background starting from a young age. I don't want our community to contribute to that culture any further. The Washington Football team, Land O' Lakes, Leinenkugel's, and the Menomonie Police Department have all retired theirs so what's stopping us?

Native people DESERVE to feel safe and welcomed in Chippewa County. It is the bare minimum. If the police want to protect and serve everyone in Chippewa County it has to include Native people. For so long we have been dehumanized by mascots. Law enforcement perpetuating that imagery, even if individuals are okay with it, subconsciously dehumanizes the entire Native community of Chippewa Falls. 

This mascot is not a tribute to us, it is dehumanizing and racist. The intent for a tribute may be good, but if you WANT to make a tribute you can ask the tribes whose ancestral land is Chippewa County to create a logo or have the county vote on one. This can easily be done, as evidenced by the Menomonie Police Department. Thank you for taking the time to read this! I hope you consider signing and if you need more information I encourage you to do your own research. I hope that this brings attention to other Native mascots in our area (including the Chippewa Falls Police Department) and sparks new thoughts and ideas. Waewaenen, thank you.

-Saffia Buckley