The Skokie Indians Little League is a youth softball and baseball organization operating in Skokie, IL that has continued to promote an offensive Indigenous logo and nickname. Despite progress over the last 50 years to retire these images, names, and mascots as representation of professional and amateur sports teams, Skokie Indians have yet to make a change. While there have been internal discussions within the league, real action and a commitment to retire the name and logo have not occurred. Leadership in the league has continued to argue that the league's use of imagery and name are honoring the heritage of Indigenous peoples in this country and point to the Village of Skokie's use of Native American imagery as the symbol of the municipality. The first argument is an old, tired, and debunked method of justifying the use of racist iconography and cultural appropriation. The second argument is a red herring, justifying racism by pointing out that it exists elsewhere. 

Twenty years ago, Niles West chose to change its name from the Indians to the Wolves, recognizing the harm that their former moniker had upon Indigenous people within and outside of our community. This year, both the Washington NFL Team and the Cleveland MLB teams chose to change their names, acknowledging that making Indigenous people into mascots is a form of historical violence and a way to justify the continued marginalization of Indigenous people. 

The Skokie Indians Little League must recognize that we are long past due to truly honor the First Nations of this country, by respecting them for their rich history, culture, and tremendous impact on this country, and not degrading them as sports mascots. We must send a strong and important message that Skokie truly welcomes everyone and celebrates our different cultures. We must acknowledge that the games our little leaguers play are played upon the lands of the Potawatomi, Kickapoo, Peoria, Myaamia, and Oceti Sakowin Tribes.

In describing the harm caused by Native American mascots, The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) states: "Born in an era when racism and bigotry were accepted by the dominant culture, 'Indian' sports brands have grown to become multi-million dollar franchises. The intolerance and harm promoted by these 'Indian' sports mascots, logos, or symbols, have very real consequences for Native people. 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."

The NCAI goes on to describe how social science research has shown that "derogatory 'Indian' sports mascots have serious psychological, social and cultural consequences for Native Americans, especially Native youth. Of today’s American Indian and Alaska Native population, those under the age of 18 make up 32 percent, and Native youth under the age of 24 represent nearly half, or 42 percent, of the entire Native population. Hundreds of tribal nations, national and regional tribal organizations, civil rights organizations, school boards, sports teams, sports and media personalities, and individuals have called for the end to harmful 'Indian' mascots.” 

The Skokie Park District has recently shown support for this change and is in the process of asking the league to initiate a plan. We are joined by a number of current and former players, coaches and parents who want to see the league take immediate action. Please join them by adding your name and comments demanding the Skokie Indians Little League agree to retire the name and logo and commit to a process that involves community input to select a replacement that reflects the values of our community.

Thank you,

Louis Mercer, League Coach and Parent
Matt Temkin, Skokie Resident and Parent
Niles West Student Government
Oliver McCracken Social Justice Club
Skokie Schools Equity Collaborative
Skokie United
James Johnson for Skokie Trustee
Annie Warshaw for Skokie School Board 68
Mary Oshana for Skokie Park District Commissioner
Khem Khoeun for Skokie Trustee

*To learn more about the use of Indigenous peoples as mascots, logos and names please see the following links:

• American Indian Congress and their efforts to change Native American nicknames and mascots: http://www.ncai.org/proudtobe
• Research study on psychological effects of Indigenous nicknames: https://www.changethemascot.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DrFriedmanReport.pdf
• Research study on psychological effects of Indigenous nicknames: https://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/indian-mascots
• UC Berkeley study: https://news.berkeley.edu/2020/02/04/native-mascots-survey/
• University of Michigan Study: https://news.umich.edu/native-american-mascots-names-chants-more-offensive-than-previously-reported/
• Article from IllumiNative, a Native-led nonprofit, launched to increase the visibility of Native peoples in American society by changing the national narrative. IllumiNative challenges negative narratives, stories, and stereotypes about Native peoples. We provide tools for Native advocates and allies including youth, community and tribal leaders, activists, and professionals across critical sectors — to develop and advocate for accurate and contemporary representations and voices of Native peoples. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/offensive-to-native-americans-racist-mascots-have-no-place-in-sports-301003720.html
• https://www.ncaa.org/static/champion/where-pride-meets-prejudice/index.php
• https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/native-american-advocates-react-to-the-redskins-and-other-teams-condemning-racism/?fbclid=IwAR1rrW593SfKk4IVryJr5Pdz0bA2mZWbHGeByix3mttPB0GA_KQAOOTP4Ks
• https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/10/sports/football/washington-redskins-name-change-mascots.html?fbclid=IwAR1r2XhJbKAVkq854UzKgS6vKa_9Z6tvdNL09LyEyGy7sRfYPQ9YGaF87Qk
• https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-05-08-9405080462-story.html?fbclid=IwAR2nFKLsAPwXfu8i_9AmgB5x-BOY5-uzUXwzghhIa3zgf6YO0y0qfAhtiGs
• https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-09-11-0509110243-story.html?fbclid=IwAR2Dzj0i_92QfCMHgas5GoO54t7kIRocTS9oKKP2JcdmkFnL_87-0TaxFFA
• https://abcnews.go.com/US/native-americans-fight-mascots-bigger-sports/story?id=74736944