Elko High School, located in Elko, Nevada, represents their high school with an “Indian” mascot. Because the name is historically and culturally incorrect, the usage of the term and imagery is outdated, racist, and inappropriate. Many members of the Western Shoshone Tribe have tried numerous times to express their distaste towards the name; however, their voices have not been heard. 

Due to the passing of Assembly Bill No.88, Section One that states, “this bill requires the board of trustees of each school district, the governing body of each charter school and governing body of each university school for profoundly gifted pupils to change, and adopt a policy that prohibits the use of, a name, logo, mascot, song or other identifiers that: (1) is racially discriminatory; (2) contains racially discriminatory language or imagery; or (3) is associated with a natural person with a racially discriminatory history” (A.B. 88).

The name alone is not where it ends -- racist artwork, traditions, and imagery have been used to lessen the value of indigenous practice and culture. These are statements from local Tribal members who are in support of AB88.

“The EHS mascot should be removed for it invokes racism and negativity. For those who say it honors the Native people- honor our culture by learning the history of the aboriginal people and not by assumptions the mascot image has gathered throughout the years.” -Local Tribal Member

“Do away with the mascot name of "Indians" Show respect for the first people and the Native students of Elko High School. It's been too many years of what many of us feel is disrespect. Select another fitting name for a mascot, there are many.” - Rosalie Dixon, Local Tribal member, Elder 

"Having one of the biggest high schools in northeastern Nevada have a stereotypical, racist mascot is an embarrassment. With as many Native people and the rich history that they’ve given to Elko, it’s so upsetting seeing that we’re displayed as nothing more than a mascot. If they have any respect for their student’s culture, they’ll start changing the harmful representation that they’ve been pushing for years. We’re a proud people deserving of respect and the mascot of Elko High does nothing to represent that."- Local Tribal Member

“We’re not Indians, we didn’t come from India. I have no respect for the City of Elko. When we first got here, we were down by the Humboldt River and they kept pushing us further and further out of the city to where we are today. The city of Elko has no right to use “Indians” as a mascot name. They were racist when I was in High School and they still are. It should be an embarrassment to them.” - Lindsey G. Oppenhein, Local Tribal Member, Elder 

“I vote to remove the Indian mascot. It is racist and I have never liked it.” - Local Tribal Member, Elder 

“My opinion is that the Elko High School mascot is harmful and racist. Mascots have real consequences. These mascots lead to a stereotype that perpetuates negative stereotypes of Native people and contributes to the dehumanization of us. Indian mascots have psychological impacts on our Native youth. The Nevada legislation helps address the problem. The Elko Band Council’s agreement with Elko High does not represent our entire community. We aren’t mascots.” - Danielle Mayberry, Local Tribal Member

“Remove the Indian as the EHS mascot. It’s racist, it’s disrespectful, and teaches that it’s ok to call Native Americans ‘Indians’ when we are in fact NOT from India. It’s time it’s changed.” - Local Tribal Member 

"The Elko “Indian” mascot is long overdue for change. We have a beautiful language and culture. There is so much to learn from the Newe people instead of the stereotypes that the mascot represents. We are not mascots. We are still here" - Lindsey C. Oppenhein, Local Tribal Member

"I have always considered THIS mascot as derogatory to our students attending EHS. Not only is it offensive to our students but throwing racial slurs at them!  It only worsens when this mascot appears at games. It is only appropriate to have this mascot removed so that our Native students can concentrate on his/her studies without being belittled". - Local Tribal Member, Elder 

“It’s time and yes it needs to be changed, it’s a disgrace to our tribe due to the racism in this town, they do nothing for our native kids besides kick them out and put them on a watch list. Enough is enough, as a tribal member experiencing their ignorance in High school was horrid, the teachers won’t help when you asked for help, we were another stupid Indian wasting their time. If Elko High School wants to use “Indian” as their mascot they need to pay us the tribe to use it. Only right.”- Local Tribal Member

Many efforts have been exhausted in order to change the name of the school mascot. All of those very efforts were silenced and minimized. 

 It is time to give the Native People a voice back-- it is time for a change.

This petition has been drafted in order to show that there is a desire for a change. Please share this with people you know. The more momentum we are able to obtain, the more likely it is that we will begin the necessary changes