Native Americans have long been denied the right to manifest their own destiny for hundreds of years by settlers and the U.S. Government. 

The “Indian” mascot imagery and gestures used by schools is a perpetuation of that same model of oppression. 

“Indian” mascots and fake Hollywood created “Indian” gestures that accompany these images reduce and dehumanize the race of Native American people. 

In their own efforts, Native Americans are continually working towards reclaiming their equality by requesting the discontinued false use of its identity by their non-Native neighbors. 

Native Americans seek to validate and strengthen their own sovereignty. They do not seek validation from schools or non-Native communities claiming to “honor” their existence. 

Please consider the support of our local Native American communities request to change the “Indian” mascot in Hartford, MI.