Antioch Community High School (ACHS) is a high school located in Antioch, Illinois, and is part of Community High School District 117. The logo and name “Sequoits” has been the same since the 1970s. It derives from Native American origins, and the logo itself has Native connections through the use of an arrow and two feathers. ACHS has a history of appropriating Native Americans. During the beginning of the school’s history, students dressed up as Native Americans and performed during sports games. ACHS also used to practice offensive chants relating to Natives. Though we do not do this anymore, both our logo, name, and past traditions can be considered insensitive to Natives. 

The Potawatomi tribe, the Native tribe who lived on Antioch’s grounds, stated that ACHS’s logo misrepresents Natives. They believe that the arrow and feather are a weapon, and make the Potawatomi tribe appear as a violent group. This is blatant misrepresentation, and had been brought to the attention by multiple Natives in the area. Despite this, ACHS continues to use the logo and Sequoit name. It’s completely inappropriate, considering ACHS is a predominately white school and few of us have Native blood. ACHS has been insensitive towards Natives in the past, therefore it is their responsibility to be respectful towards the Native community. Natives have a long history of being slaughtered, taken advantages of, discriminated against, and having their culture stolen from. Native Americans in the Antioch area should be given a voice to decide what is and isn’t offensive towards their culture. It is not the place for a group or predominantly white students to decide what is considered insensitive for a culture that is not their own. 

Be the change and support Native American voices.