*PLEASE SHARE*
Tecumseh, Oklahoma it’s time for your Dehumanizing Indigenous Mascot, the Savage, to be RETIRED. The term ”Savage” was quoted by Thomas Jefferson, who owed 600 slaves, in the Declaration of Independence referring to Indigenous people as “Merciless Indian Savages”. The dictionary states “Savages are cruel, untamed”.

Statement from the American Indian Movement Indian Territory

It is here written that the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Indian Movement known as AIM Indian Territory, calls for the immediate retirement of ALL Indigenous mascots from Oklahoma’s Public School system. These images are dehumanizing, stereotypical, racist, and derogatory to our ancestors and children. We know the use of these mascots can create real harm. Numerous studies indicate a direct relationship between these types of mascots and depression, negative self-perception, diminished feelings of self worth, and even suicide. Natives have the largest number of suicide related deaths in our country. Public school systems pride themselves on creating an environment of equality and enhancing the educational experience for all students so the students may feel valued in our respective dynamic world. All schools are required to provide a positive learning environment for all students. It has been said many times before, and remains to be understood that it is beyond any logical reasoning that these mascots create any kind of positive learning environment when all aspects of this type of imagery only invoke inequality through the use of institutional racism. We appeal to the leaders of all schools involved to take advantage of this time in history to embrace their responsibility to advance social justice and equality.

We CALL TO ACTION Oklahoma Tribal Leaders to issue public statements of support on this issue!

We CALL TO ACTION elders and parents to stand with our youth!

We CALL TO ACTION Indigenous Students across not only Oklahoma but the country to STAND UP! ACT NOW! SPEAK NOW! Let them know they can not exchange their mascot for another of indigenous imagery!

NO RACE SHOULD BE A MASCOT

-AIM INDIAN TERRITORY

 

“Institutions cannot use a symbol of a Native American as its sports mascot and at the same time sincerely support a policy of ethnic inclusivity and cultural diversity”. -Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois

 

1301 E. Highland Tecumseh, OK 74873

(405) 598-3739, (405) 598-2113

Tom Wilsie - Superintendent of Schools

LINK TO FACULTY INFORMATION:

https://www.tecumseh.k12.ok.us/staff​

ttps://www.tecumseh.k12.ok.us/o/ths

 

Oklahoma Office of the Oklahoma

Attorney General

Address:

313 NE 21st Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Phone: (405) 521-3921

Fax: (405) 521-6246

 

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister

Phone: 405-521-3301

Twitter: @Joy4OK

Facebook: JoyforOklahoma

Absentee Shawnee: Governor John Johnson, 405-275-4030, https://www.astribe.com/governors-office,https://www.facebook.com/AbsenteeShawneeTribe/