For years, the "Tomahawks" have been the mascot and imagery of Merrimack High School. A tomahawk is a type of single-handed ax native to the many Indigenous peoples and nations of North America. Because of this association, students have dressed up in ceremonial headdresses and cultural face paint, replicated "Native American chants" or performed the "Tomahawk Chop" during pep rallies, sporting events, and school functions. These racist practices are unacceptable, yet continue to be allowed and encouraged by the use of this mascot.

15 years ago, the American Psychological Association "called for the immediate retirement of all American Indian mascots, symbols, images, and personalities by schools, colleges, universities, athletic teams and organizations. APA's position is based on a growing body of social science literature that shows the harmful effects of racial stereotyping and inaccurate racial portrayals, including the particularly harmful effects of American Indian sports mascots on the social identity development and self-esteem of American Indian young people." This includes images and symbols from Native American cultures, such as the tomahawk. 

In a 2005 report on the status of Native American students, the National Education Association included the elimination of Indian mascots and sports team names as one of its recommendations.

The National Congress of American Indians, joined by the National Indian Education Association and many other groups, has been at the forefront of this human rights movement. Research supports that Indian-themed names, logos, and mascots reinforce negative views held by non-Indians toward Indians.

The National Congress of American Indians explains, "Specifically, rather than honoring Native peoples, these caricatures and stereotypes are harmful, perpetuate negative stereotypes of America’s first peoples, and contribute to a disregard for the personhood of Native peoples." By keeping this mascot, the Merrimack School District continues to contribute to these harmful stereotypes. 

For more information on the use of Native people and culture as mascots, visit the National Congress of American Indians website: http://www.ncai.org/proudtobe