Here is my story: to each of us, that was or is a Chieftain; the name means something different whether you were/are faculty, athlete, band, cheerleader, choir, International Baccalaureate, student government, or in some other extracurricular activity, parent, relative, or community supporter to the school.  

Over time our beloved name has been challenged again and again. Unfortunately, we face it again, today with more recent graduates or current students wanting it changed. When I was a student, we fought to keep the name, we represented it with love and respect.  Made positive changes to honor and understand what the name meant to Native Americans and what it should to us. Our Principal Patricia "Pat" Friauf, made sure of that by working with local tribes to keep it that way.

Understandably, the behavior has changed over time and some might feel having the name is being disrespectful towards Native Americans, and others might not. But not to us, being an alumni of Columbia River High School, it wasn’t just a name to us, it was an honor to share with other students, learn the history, the beauty it had, a symbol of courage, greatness, strength for the name and for Native Americans.

Today, there is a lot of emotion going on when it comes to lack of respect, understanding, and making a positive change for everyone, precipitated by situations that should not have ever happened from anyone towards anyone. When this happens, emotions sometimes take over, and we fight with our hearts and not always listen to what our minds are saying. We have found this is one of those situations; let's fix what needs to be fixed and keep the cherished and loved name.

Help save the Chieftain name by signing the petition, and sharing it with others and letting the Vancouver Public Schools Board of Directors know We ARE Chieftains!!!