These items are currently up for auction…

**Donnell Keeler Framed Print**

**Granite Counter Top**

One 4’ Bathroom Granite counter top* 

*Does not include sink or fixtures

with 10 colors to choose from (Installation Included)

Bidding ends April 23, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

Please submit your bids in the comment section below. 

***COMING SOON***

**STAR QUILT**

Indians In Jeopardy Double Jeopardy For Web

Indians In Jeopardy Final Jeopardy For Web

INDIANS IN JEOPARDY

Indians In Jeopardy DOUBLE JEOPARDY

 Indians In Jeopardy FINAL JEOPARDY

GIVE THE GIFT OF LEARNING ABOUT INDIANS THIS CHRISTMAS!!!

Honor Indians Institute is pleased to announce a special opportunity for you to give high schools and their students the gift of learning more about Indians!  We will present to high schools and/or their students a copy ofMASCOTS THAT HONOR INDIANS donated in your name, or the name of someone else as a Christmas present to them, when you donate$10 dollars to Honor Indians Institute.  We ordinarily sellMASCOTS THAT HONOR INDIANS for $30 dollars, and it retails at some bookstores for over $40 dollars. 

We will email to you a letter that you can present to your friend or loved one informing them that a copy of MASCOTS THAT HONOR INDIANS has been donated to a high school and/or their students in their name!

Our students have made the following comments:

“I’ve come to realize that our schools could do so much more to educate people about Indians and the history of our country.”

“School systems need to incorporate more classes regarding Native American studies.”

“I cannot recall a grade level when I actually studied them, because I never did.  I should have learned about this in grade school or high school at the latest, so it’s kind of sad that I didn’t learn about it till college.”

“I hope that your book can educate people about actually honoring Indians.  Starting with youth will hopefully give younger generations a better way of thinking about the history and tradition of different peoples.”

For $10 dollars, you can help us to provide the gift of learning more about Indian tribes and people!  (Please donate in increments of $10.)

Other state legislators have made attempts at legislating away Indian mascots, with not much success.  In the past, California, Oklahoma, Kentucky, New Jersey and Vermont have tried to pass legislation aimed at banning Indian mascots.  So far, no state has been successful at passing anti-Indian mascot legislation.

I can think of numerous flaws with proposed anti-Indian mascot legislation, but my intent is not to find fault with anti-Indian mascot legislation.  My overall opinion is that legislation or litigation should not be the method of choice for retiring Indian mascots.  However, after several class discussions, some students think legislation would be the only way to get schools to get rid of Indian mascots.  My preference is education.  Most schools teach very little about Indian tribes and people. 

Another option that was discussed was legislation requiring schools to teach Indian history.  I think that this option has merit.  However, there would be some difficulty in crafting legislation to accomplish the desired objective.  It would be much easier and preferred if schools took the initiative to address this issue on their own.  However, that does not appear to be imminent. 

What do you think?

I am sure most Indians will remember the scene from the movie Smoke Signals when Thomas uttered those words to Victor upon getting evicted from their seats on the bus by two white guys. We laugh because as tribal members, we have experienced and witnessed that scene in our own lives. We know that it is still true today; the cowboys still take shots at us today. Like Victor and Thomas, we look for our spots to fight back, but most times we grudgingly pick up our things and find another seat. I’m tired of the cowboys still taking shots at us.

Recently a couple of highly respected and high achieving Indian men have been the targets of modern day cowboys. Larry Echohawk, Pawnee, and Tim Giago, Oglala, have recently been targeted by a couple of cowboys. Larry Echohawk was targeted by one cowboy as being unworthy of guiding Indian affairs because of his previous work as ATTORNEY GENERAL for the State of Idaho. This cowboy stated his “shock and dismay” to hear that Mr. Echohawk was being considered as Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs. He expressed his “great respect” for the Echohawk name, but not for this “specific” Echohawk. This cowboy had the great audacity to urge Indian people to call upon President Obama to choose someone other than Larry Echohawk for this position.

As for Mr. Giago, a highly respected and nationally syndicated journalist, another cowboy felt the need to call him out and described Mr. Giago as a “have” who is fighting to “keep the have-nots in their place.”

Certainly, Mr. Echohawk and Mr. Giago do not need my pathetic and pitiful voice to defend them against the words of both of these cowboys. Their work and accomplishments speak for themselves. My intent is not to offer a “defense” for either of these extremely accomplished men. My complaint and I guess my question is one of process. Who are these cowboys and why do we let them win?

I am sure that these two cowboys have been gracious to some group of Indians and have done good things for Indians. However, why do they feel that they earned the right to gain national attention to call out such accomplished men as Larry Echohawk and Tim Giago? What have they done to merit such authority and influence over Indian people and affairs? Why do nationally read Indian websites and publications give them voice to do this?

We let them “win” by letting them think that their opinion should matter to us. I certainly have complaints about certain Obama nominees and could issue a press release stating my outrage and objections. I would be lucky to receive a one paragraph blurb in my local newspaper editorial page. However, we allow cowboys that I have never heard of take their shots at these two nationally respected men and give them the time and space to do it! Don’t let the cowboys win next time.

Indian Students Against Images Degrading Sacred Traditions of Our People

RESOLUTION REQUESTING PRESIDENT OBAMA TO TELL SCHOOLS AND OTHER SPORTING TEAMS TO STOP USING INDIAN MASCOTS

WHEREAS, I. S.A.I.D. S.T.O.P. was established by Indian high school students participating in the Circle of Learning project sponsored by the Omaha Public School District, Office of Indian Education’s Native Indian Centered Education (N.I.C.E.) and in cooperation with Little Priest Tribal College and The Honor Indians Institute; and

WHEREAS, I. S.A.I.D. S.T.O.P. was established to encourage students to learn more about tribes and tribal people and to stop perpetuating ignorance and negative stereotypes about our people by using Indian images as team mascots; and

WHEREAS, Numerous schools here in Nebraska and throughout the United States and professional sports teams use Indian images as team mascots, such as Redskins, Redmen, Red Raiders, Savages, Indians, Chiefs, Chieftains, Braves, Warriors, etc., claiming that such names and images are meant to honor Indians; and

WHEREAS, Numerous Tribal, Civil Rights and other professional organizations have condemned the use of Indian mascots as racist, offensive and harmful to Indian students, and that they perpetuate ignorance and negative stereotypes about Indian people; and

WHEREAS, Groups such as The National Congress of American Indians, Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, The United States Commission on Civil Rights, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), United Nations, Committee On The Elimination Of Racial Discrimination and the American Psychological Association have called for the elimination of Indian mascots by schools and professional sporting teams; and

WHEREAS, The majority of schools here in Nebraska and throughout the United States and professional sporting teams have not listened to tribal leaders, people and educators and have continued to use Indian images as their team mascots; and

WHEREAS, We as students who are affected by the racism, offensiveness and ignorance perpetuated by Indian mascots add our voices to those speaking against Indian mascots and ask schools and sports teams to STOP using Indian images for their team mascots; and

WHEREAS, We also call upon the newly elected President BARACK OBAMA, who received overwhelming support from the Indian community by promising change in Indian country, to join with us in calling for schools and sports teams to STOP using Indian images for their team mascots.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Indian Students Against Images Degrading Sacred Traditions of Our People (I. S.A.I.D. S.T.O.P.) denounce Indian images used as mascots as racist, offensive, degrading and that they perpetuate ignorance and negative stereotypes about our people; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that I. S.A.I.D. S.T.O.P. adds our voices in calling for schools and sports teams to STOP using Indian images for their team mascot; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that I. S.A.I.D. S.T.O.P. encourages students to join our Circle of Learning and learn more about Indian tribes and peoples; and

FINALLY BE IT RESOLVED, that I. S.A.I.D. S.T.O.P. respectfully requests that President BARACK OBAMA join with us and add his voice in denouncing the use of racially offensive Indian mascots and by telling schools and sports teams, starting with the WASHINGTON REDSKINS, located in our National Capitol and his new home, to STOP using Indian images for their team mascots.

DATED this 7^th day of January, 2009,

BY:

__________________________________________

Andre Fast Horse, President

Andre Fast Horse: President of Indian Students Against Images Degrading Sacred Traditions of Our People (I. S.A.I.D. S.T.O.P.)

Andre is Oglala Sioux from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He is a senior at Central High School in Omaha, NE. He enjoys running, drawing and skateboarding in his free time. He runs track and cross-country for Central High School. He is also president of Central High School’s All Nations Club. Andre has been accepted to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He plans on becoming a surgeon.

Honor Indians Institute would like to honor Marshall Bass. Marshall is a proud enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. He is the youngest child of Vincent and Karen Bass.  He is 23 years of age and currently a junior at Haskell Indian Nations University located in Lawrence, Kansas.  He is studying Business Administration.  He plans to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in the fall of 2009. Upon graduation, he plans to attend graduate school and eventually incorporate his business skills with Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S.)

He currently works in Haskell’s G.I.S. Laboratory where he is heading a project that is modeling wind power potential for almost all reservations across the United States. He actually created cartography using ESRI’s ArcView software to determine site suitability for the erection of wind turbines. He was given the opportunity to be employed with the G.I.S. program over the summer and after school hours by his G.I.S. instructor, Dave Mcdermott. They were able to create a foundation for Marshall to work from and based on that, he ran with it and now he has a huge information database that can be used for tribes that are interested in renewable energy. He enjoys attending Haskell Indian Nations University and his involvement with G.I.S., knowing that Tribes will benefit from his work.

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?

Timpview High School, home of the Thunderbirds, is located along bench of the Wasatch Mountains in Provo, UT. What used to be a nice, quiet school has now caused an uproar among the local Native community.

A few months ago the school revealed the new outfit for the mascot. According to some students, the previous outfit was old and outdated, and may have resembled a chicken. The principal, Dr. Bayles, decided it was time for a change. Dr. Bayles formed a team of teachers to help create this new mascot, none of which were Native. The inspiration for his new mascot came from a kachina doll that was in his office. In an article written in the school districts newsletter, Dr. Bayles states that since the Thunderbird is of Native American origin, he wanted to honor that Heritage!

Well Dr. Bayles, is it honoring when the Kachina you call a Mascot is parading around doing those “stereotypical” Native acts? Or is it honoring when some of your Native students are uncomfortable being at the football game because of the actions of your mascot?

Your mascot is a BIRD, not a Native American Kachina!

This is one of the few, if not only Native mascot in the area. Many of the local Native American organizations have started to voice concerns. The Title VII, Indian Education, Program for the Provo City School District has decided to first bring their concerns of the Native Community to the attention of Dr. Bayles. We will be meeting with Dr. Bayles with letters from the local Natives. If you would like to voice your concerns, please comment on this post, or if you would like to write a letter, please email them to honorindians@gmail.com.

-Meredith Schramm

UPDATE!

It didn’t take much, but with everyone’s support, Timpview is stopping the use of their new mascot outfit immediately!  We were able to pass along the letters and comments written by everyone.  Dr. Bayles did not realize he was offending anyone and is deeply sorry.  He has already started making plans to create a new one.  The new one will be an actual Thunderbird, and he has asked the Native American advisor at Utah Valley University to oversee the project. 

Honor Indians would like to Honor Dr. George Bayles for acting so swiftly to the concerns of the Native people, and for working with them to make sure things are better!

Honor Indian Institute honors the approximately 169,000 American Indian and Alaska Native veterans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Tribal members serve in the military at the highest rates per capita of any racial or ethnic group. There are about 23.7 million veterans overall in the U.S.

Click on link below to watch a power point in honor of

Natives American Veterans.

In Honor of Native American Veterans

Non-Indian Thurston County Board members opposed the holiday, and recently tried to repeal the holiday. However, the tribal members walked out of the meeting, leaving the Board without a quorum to transact business. Native American Day was spared, at least for now. The Non-Indian Board members are unsure of what will happen when September 26^th arrives.

Honor Indians Institutes says ENJOY THE DAY!!! We encourage Thurston County employees to fill your gas tanks at Omaha or Winnebago gas stations. You can then go to either CasinOmaha or WinnaVegas and enjoy the lunch buffet and drop some of your county paycheck into the one-armed bandits. You can celebrate the Dawes Act, which broke up both the Omaha and Winnebago reservations and opened land for settlement, which led to the creation of your towns located in the county, which initially was to be named “Blackbird County” in honor of an Omaha tribal leader. Instead, the Nebraska Governor John Thayer vetoed the name, and instead named in honor of Senator John Thurston. Thurston was a member of the Senate Indian Affairs committee that oversaw the implementation of the Dawes Act. Your County Board voted for and approved the holiday, so ENJOY!!!

HONOR INDIANS INSTITUTE POLL

Phil Jackson, Head Coach for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, received an Honorary Doctorate from his alma mater, the University of North Dakota on August 25^th. Honor Indians Institute would like to honor Coach Jackson, not for his receipt of the honorary doctorate, but for his remarks to the UND community. Coach Jackson used his public appearance at UND to address the “Fighting Sioux” mascot controversy. He suggested that his alma mater “…do the right thing…” and they “…have to rethink probably our nickname and moniker.” Jackson also stated that the “Fighting Sioux” mascot was “not beneficial” to the Lakota people, and that “…objectification of people is limiting to ourselves… as well as to the people objectified.” Honor Indian Institute honors Coach Jackson for using his stature in the UND community for taking this opportunity to try to gracefully resolve the “Fighting Sioux” mascot controversy.

HONOR INDIANS INSTITUTE POLL

JEWS CIRCUMCISE JOX: TAKE CHAMPIONSHIP CUP

In a spiritied nip and tuck final, the Jew Crew defeat the White Jox by a 52 to 48 percent margin. Congratulations to the Milwaukee Jew Crew 2008 Mascot League Baseball Most Honorable Mascot!

JEW CREW BANKRUPTS AMERICAN INDIANS

The 5^th seeded Milwaukee Jew Crew pull off the upset of the top seeded American Indians by a single vote! A last second surge by the Indians came up short, sending the Jew Crew into the CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND!

WHITE JOX EVICT RED NECKS FROM TOURNAMENT

The Chicago White Jox send the Red Necks back to the trailer park. A single vote once again separated these two mascots. The Jox look to upset the Jews in the finals.

(14) Cincinnati Red Necks vs. (15) Chicago White Jox

VOTING ENDS ON TUESDAY AUGUST 5^TH AT 6PM

AMERICAN INDIANS TAKE THE POT FROM JUNKEES

The American Indians sent the Junkees back to rehab with a resounding 96% to 4% victory! They are looking strong heading into the semi finals.

WHITE JOX DROP MADRES LIKE A BAD HABIT

The White Jox beat back a pesky Madres team by a 54% to 46% margin. The surprising White Jox may just be the team to beat.

SIAMESE TWINS ARE DOUBLED OVER BY RED NECKS

The Red Necks beat the Siamese Twins by a 54% to 46% margin. The Red Neck Nation once again proved that, if sober, they are a force in this tournament.

JEW CREW CLIP THE DRED LOX

The Jew Crew is looking strong as they took out the Dred Lox by an overwhelming 80% to 20% margin. They just may take it all.

Amanda Morgan is a Junior at the University of Nebraska - Omaha

I am an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. I am from Crystal, New Mexico. I have earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Dine College in Tsaile, AZ. I am married and a mother of 2. I am majoring in Teacher Education with a focus in mathematics. I am conducting a survey on Indian mascots as a project for a Native Studies class. I am interested in feedback from both tribal members and non-tribal members. Please take a minute to contribute your thoughts on this issue.

NON-INDIANS

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Amanda Morgan is a Junior at the University of Nebraska - Omaha

I am an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. I am from Crystal, New Mexico. I have earned an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Dine College in Tsaile, AZ. I am married and a mother of 2. I am majoring in Teacher Education with a focus in mathematics. I am conducting a survey on Indian mascots as a project for a Native Studies class. I am interested in feedback from both tribal members and non-tribal members. Please take a minute to contribute your thoughts on this issue.

INDIANS/TRIBAL MEMBERS

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(10) San Diego Madres vs. (15) Chicago White Jox

(14) Cincinnati Red Necks vs. (11) Minnesota Siamese Twins

(5) Milwaukee Jew Crew vs. (13) Boston Dred Lox

AMERICAN INDIANS DEAL GINGERS LOPSIDED LOSS:

By a margin of 71% to 29%, the American Indians send the Gingers back in-doors where they belong. This team is looking strong heading into their quarterfinal round match.

WHITE JOX TAKE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AGAINST SLAVES:

The Chicago White Jox stunned the No. 2 seeded Slaves in the closest first round match-up of the tournament. The White Jox won by the narrowest of margins, winning by a slim 4 votes! Definitely a force to contend with in the next round.

RED NECK NATION RISES UP TO OUST WETBACKS:

The Cincinnati Red Necks came out in record numbers to soundly beat back the Wetbacks. In a record turnout, the Red Necks beat the Wetbacks by a 57% to 43% margin. This one wasn’t even close! Wetback fans contend that their defeat was due to their backers lurking in the shadows, afraid to participate in this contest. Red Neck backers cried “sour grapes” on the part of Wetback advocates. Wetbacks shot back saying that “with Wetbacks gone, there literally will be sour grapes … in the fields.” Red Necks move on!

DRED LOX DUNK OREOS IN A STUNNER:

In another 1^st round stunner, the Dred Lox send the Oreos packing. This contest generated the most votes in the tournament, and the Dred Lox come out victorious by a 57% to 43% margin. Most commentators have blamed the Oreos inexperience and their untimely overseas exhibition trip to the Middle East and Europe for their loss of focus. “They got cocky, and didn’t take care of business here at home” opined the pundits. This is an extremely costly defeat for the Oreos as they spent well over the spending cap limit that they promised to adhere to when the season began. Facing a luxury tax, the Oreos responded by stating, “We like taxes, there isn’t a tax out there that we haven’t embraced.” The Oreo team president will now have plenty of time to concentrate on his bid to win the League Presidency in November.

JEW CREW DEPOSIT BIG WIN INTO THE BANK:

The Milwaukee Jew Crew registered the most lopsided win of the tournament over a beleaguered St. Louis Cardinal team. The Jew Crew won by an incredible 79% to 21% margin. This win is even more incredible when you factor in the Jew Crew time out they took on Friday night into Saturday. Most of the Cardinal faithful did not participate, saying it wasn’t Christmas or Easter. The Jew Crew look strong!

SIAMESE TWINS OUTSOURCE INDIA INDIANS:

In another one sided contest, the two sided twins sent the India Indians home. The Siamese Twins won by an impressive 72% to 28% margin. The fortune cookies are definitely in the Siamese Twins favor.

MADRES REPRESS GAYS, SEND BACK INTO CLOSET:

The Madres used good old fashion values and hard work to beat back the Gays in another close battle. In a 51% to 49% vote, the teams were separated by a scant 8 votes. The Gays vowed not to go back into the closet, claiming a foul in the voting. The Gays allege that all the votes from Florida were not properly counted. They are demanding a re-count. As for now, the Madres prevail and move on!

JUNKEES NARC ON I.C.E. DODGERS:

The rehabilitated Junkees turn on the I.C.E. Dodgers for easy first round win. The Junkees won by a convincing 58% to 42% margin to detain, at least temporarily, the I.C.E. Dodgers. The I.C.E. Dodgers vowed revenge, shouting, “We ain’t gowen nowhere.” Lets see if the Junkees can stay on the wagon for their next round match-up.

(1) Cleveland American Indians vs. (16) Texas Gingers

(2) Atlanta Slaves vs. (15) Chicago White Jox

(3) Arizona Wetbacks vs. (14) Cincinnati Red Necks

(4) Baltimore Oreos vs. (13) Boston Dred Lox

(5) Milwaukee Jew Crew vs. (12) St. Louis Cardinals

(6) Cleveland India Indians vs. (11) Minnesota Siamese Twins

(7) Tampa Bay Gays vs. (10) San Diego Madres

(8) Los Angelos I.C.E. Dodgers vs. (9) New York Junkees

The teams have been selected and seeded for our MASCOT LEAGUE BASEBALL tournament to determine which team has the MOST HONORABLE logo! Vote for the mascot you believe best exemplifies “hard work, integrity and a winning tradition!”

THE TEAM MASCOTS AND THEIR SEEDING

1. CLEVELAND AMERICAN INDIANS: The selection committee could not deny the #1 seed to the most storied franchise in the league. The American Indians have been around since before the League even existed. They have had their share of ups and downs, mostly down, with the League. Historically, the League and this team have had a rocky relationship. In the past, the League has breached nearly all of their contracts with them, confiscated valuable team real estate for new franchise teams, moved them to isolated markets, attempted to break up and assimilate them with other teams, terminate their team altogether, and the League has mismanage their team assets and has refused to reimburse them despite numerous court victories. They are making a come back, but have a tough road ahead. The League has never made it easy for this team to survive, but they have persisted and survived through hard work, integrity and a winning tradition! Check the nearest Tribal Casino for the latest line on this team, and don’t bet against them!

2. ATLANTA SLAVES: Their team motto is “We work hard for no money.” The controversy over their salaries and playing conditions nearly caused the league to divide into two separate divisions. A North and South division was proposed, but after a bitter dispute the league prevailed. Through their hard work and integrity, the Slaves have earned their freedom and they have developed an outstanding series of victories, earning them a grand winning tradition and the #2 seed in the tournament. We predict another tremendous battle with the American Indians in the finals!

3. ARIZONA WETBACKS: This expansion franchise has made quite a splash in the league! Although they technically call Arizona home, this team knows no borders. Opposing players do not like playing them on their home field, as their stadium has no fences. The current lame duck League President refuses to enforce a League mandate to build a fence. They also have a farm team system that is second to none. Yes, they have invaded the league and are doing the dirty jobs that no one else wants to do. It is looking like this team and their fan base, estimated upwards of 40 million, is in line for the ultimate victory in November, as neither of the candidates for the soon to be vacant League President is looking to halt their aggressive expansion into the other teams markets. Both candidates have expressed a desire to grant this team amnesty for their blatant disregard for league rules, and grant them full legal standing in the league. You cannot ignore this team, they are on the move!

4. BALTIMORE OREOS: Undoubtedly the hottest team entering the playoffs! This upstart team is coming off a huge upset of a powerful franchise that dominated most of the 90’s. This team has surprised many because prior to this year, they did not have a track record of any significance and they have shown virtually nothing in their brief 1 ½ years in the League. Critics of this team have said that they talk a good game and they look good on paper, but they have failed to produce in the clutch. They also won their only big series playing with an all left-handed hitting lineup. They have made some position changes for the playoffs, inserting newly acquired right-handed position players in hopes of shoring up the middle of their lineup. These position changes have upset their loyal young fan base because prior to the playoffs, they did not even have a right fielder on the roster. Despite their recent flip-flopping of position players, this team has excited a fan base hoping for change. Ultimately, they understand that after the victory is won, the righties will be put on waivers. They recognize you can’t win the big prize with an exclusive left-handed lineup! With all of the media hype surrounding this team, don’t be surprised to see them to pull off the stunning upset!

5. MILWAUKEE JEW CREW: The Jew Crew is, without a doubt, the most financially sound team in the League! Known for their ability to make shrewd deals, this team is well under the salary cap. Since the 1940’s, they have made a tremendous come back from the attempt to exterminate this team. However, of late, they have come under criticism, even hate and condemnation for the League’s financial support of their Middle East farm system. Critics have said that the League spends too much money in defense of this isolated team and it is time for them to quit relying on the might of the League to survive. In response, and they always respond, the team has made numerous attempts to settle disputes over territorial rights in the region. In any event, they have learned to be aggressive hitters and play tough defense. Definitely a sleeper in the tournament. Don’t count them out!

6. CLEVELAND INDIA INDIANS: Sheer numbers make this team a tough out in the tournament. Rumors persist that this team is ready to pack up their tents and drive their taxi’s back home. Since most of the League’s jobs are being outsourced there anyway, they may not need to keep their franchise operating here. Their players complain that wages are so low, they have to work the night shift at the local convenient store to make ends meet. They never have to worry about the opposing team stealing their signs as they are too difficult to understand. The selection committee probably reached a bit too far seeding them this high. Look for an upset special here!

7. TAMPA BAY GAYS: Since coming out of the closet, this team has been on a rampage! Probably the most versatile team in the League as all of their players can both pitch and catch. They are also great at playing the field too! They also have the best color coordinated set of uniforms in the League. Their stadium is the best decorated and they have the most manicured field in the League. This team is no longer the sissy of the League. This team could go deep into the playoffs. Another upset special!

8. EAST LOS ANGELES I.C.E. DODGERS: This gang owns East Los Angeles! Members of this team have frustrated League compliance officials for so long, there is a saying that the League has “LOST ANGELES!” A number 8 seed was vital to this team’s playoff chances as it guarantees at least one home game. This team is undefeated on their home turf. Opposing teams fear playing on their turf. Their home field advantage is so great that the League has refused to schedule any night games with this gang. Look for a first round win, or else, for this team!

9. NEW YORK JUNKEES: The League has tried for years to rehabilitate this franchise. This franchise was once proud and mighty, but now they are a lowly pathetic shell of its former self. Having said that, this team is single handedly winning the war on drugs. Unfortunately, they are on drug’s side. Opposing players also find it difficult to play them at home as they must take their valuable possessions with them on the field. Another difficulty about playing them at home is that the field has no white chalk lines for fear they may cause hallucinations, flashbacks and relapse. Once again, the selection committee may have reached at seeding them this high! Look for an easy out on this one.

10. SAN DIEGO MADRES: Definitely still reeling from the loss of their legendary leader from Calcutta. They are still trying to relive the Sally Fields glory days. A brief comeback during the Whoopi Goldberg days has long faded into history. However, they will always be loved and respected, or feel the wrath of a wooden ruler over the tops of your knuckles. A sentimental favorite, but on the decline none the less. Probably won’t make it out of the first round.

11. MINNESOTA SIAMESE TWINS: This two-headed monster is definitely the sleeper in the playoffs! This team had to play a grueling late season double-header schedule just to make into the playoffs. They are on a serious egg roll, actually leading the I.C.E. Dodgers, in LA, into the 9th inning before darkness set in, causing the game to be called by Immigration Customs and Enforcement officers. I am calling my shot now, the Siamese Twins will pull off the first round upset of the tournament!

12. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: Like their counter parts, the Madres, this team is in free fall from the loss of their charismatic Pontiff. Couple that with some off the field legal troubles, and this team is headed for an early exist. Things are so bad for this franchise, the GAYS have a better public image than the Cardinals. Time to confess and come clean that you have no business in this tournament.

13. BOSTON DRED LOX: The League’s primary concern with this team is finding a hat that fits and will stay on their heads the entire game. The League has waived the requirement to wear a batting helmet because there is little chance a ball could penetrate through their hair. They also have a similar problem as the Junkees, in that their field is absent of green grass for fear that their players will lose focus and concentration. Heading into the heat of the summer, there is little chance that this team can survive without sheering off most, if not all, of their steel wool for hair heads.

14. CINCINNATI RED NECKS: This team is just happy to make the playoffs so they can leave the trailer park. Can’t help it but here goes: You know you are a Red Neck player when:

• A FEMA trailer serves as your clubhouse.
• You got traded for a case of Bud Light and a bottle of Jack Daniels to be named later.
• Your road jersey is a red flannel shirt.
• Your home jersey is your sort of white wife beater tank top tee-shirt underneath your red flannel shirt.
• You are the only team that does not need a dental plan
• Your game got cancelled because your utilities got shut off.
• You couldn’t get a shoe contract because Nike officials looked at your feet, said “DAMN” and turned and walked away.
• Your game program doubles as official team toilet paper.
• You don’t need a mitt because the beer bottle won’t fit through the finger holes.
I better stop, but I’m sure you can think of more!

15. CHICAGO WHITE JOX: This team is hungry and out to prove that they have not lost athletic supremacy in another sport! Sure, they may have given up on basketball, football (the skilled positions), track (even the distance running), and now thanks to Tiger, even golf! Unfortunately, it looks like the National Past Time will be lost too, this time to the Latino ball players. Not to worry, there is still hockey, swimming, hacky sack and all the X-games. We forgot to mention soccer, but then again, who in America really cares, and is soccer really a sport? Unless a mighty come back occurs, this team is destined for defeat.

16. TEXAS GINGERS: The last team to make into the playoffs is the often forgotten and under appreciated red-headed step-child, the Gingers. The League is still waiting for the real owner of the team to step forward and take responsibility. Someone please take this team home!

We would like to introduce our very own MASCOT LEAGUE BASEBALL mascot tournament to determine which team logo best exemplifies “hard work, integrity and a winning tradition!”

Teams to be announced!

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to cancel the trademarks of the Washington Redskins football team. The judge held that the plaintiffs waited too long to challenge the trademark. The first “Redskins” trademark was registered in 1967, more than two decades before the challenge was first filed in 1992. By the district court reasoning, the complaint should have been filed shortly after the trademark was registered in 1967! The case is under appeal with the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.

The attorney for the Redskins is confident that had it gone to trial, the trademark would not have been deemed “disparaging” to tribal members. His response was that the “Redskins” trademark “…stands for hard work, integrity and a winning tradition….”

The Honor Indians Institute, in conjunction with the Indian Mascots class at the University of Nebraska – Omaha, believe that there are other mascots that could give the Redskins a challenge for the most HONORABLE MASCOT, or mascot that best exemplifies “hard work, integrity and a winning tradition.”

Honor Indians Institute agrees that there are at least 10 tribal members that could be listed in Time Magazine’s Most Influential list, but as usual, we get overlooked. Rather than expect Time or some other “national” media to invite us to play in their reindeer games, we decided to make our own list, in our own version of “Time.”

We introduce our own INDIAN TIME MAGAZINE, with our own 10 Most Influential Indians of 2007. If you are wondering why we are doing this 6 months late, remember the title of our magazine!

10. Tim Giago: Member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. Mr. Giago is a journalist and commentator who is published on a national level. He has led the way for many native and non-native journalists. His opinions can be read on a weekly basis in newspapers throughout the country. He is the inspiration for INDIAN TIME and this list! He was the only columnist to respond to our personal correspondence. We thank him for his kind words, and hope to see him at the University of Nebraska-Omaha this fall.

9. Ron His Horse Is Thunder: Chairman, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. After unsuccessfully spending millions of dollars suing the NCAA over their “Fighting Sioux” mascot, the University of North Dakota found themselves having to seek approval from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Chairman His Horse Is Thunder and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council stood firm in their refusal to give UND approval to use the “Fighting Sioux” mascot. Any time you get an entire state begging for your permission to use something of yours, now that’s influence!

8. Dave Anderson: Member of the La Courte Oreilles, Ojibwe Tribe. Also know as “Famous Dave” of the famed Famous Dave Ribs restaurant chain. He makes our list because anyone who makes a BBQ sauce that could even make mutton taste good carries world class influence! I have been known to give an A to any student that shares with the class a large order of Famous Dave’s Ribs!!!

7. Lance Morgan: Member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Lance is CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc. Ho-Chunk’s All Native Systems received the United States Department of State’s Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award for 2007. Lance was also able to successfully steer through some tribal political barriers, which was probably his greatest accomplishment of 2007. Ho-Chunk Inc. also owns Indianz.com, and Honor Indians Institute is hoping to get a little of that Indianz.com love for 2008.

6. Winona LaDuke: Member of the Mississippi Band of Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe). Ms. LaDuke was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2007. Ms. LaDuke has been an activist, author, politician, and now entrepreneur. She is the founder of Native Harvest, which offers native wild rice, coffee and syrup.

5. Adam Beach: A member of the Saulteaux Tribe of Canada. Adam Beach, aka, “Victor” blew up in 2007, landing starring roles in Law & Order, Special Victims Unit, and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Adam Beach is on the short list to play me in my upcoming biopic of my experience as a Tribal Court Judge. The tentative working title for the picture is “Law & Order: Tribal Court.”

4. Joba Chamberlain: Member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. (I can’t believe I have 2 Winnebago’s on my list) Joba Chamberlain exploded on the major league baseball scene when he was promoted to the New York Yankees! Joba was used primarily as a relief pitcher, and he was untouchable with his 100 mph fastball. You know you have influence when Yankee fans chant “Joba, Joba, Joba” instead of “A-Rod” or “Jeter.”

3. Diane Humetewa: Member of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona. Ms. Humetewa was nominated and confirmed as the U.S. Attorney for Arizona in 2007. She was recommended for the job by Arizona Senator and Republican nominee for President, John McCain, whom she worked for during his two tenures as chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. She is the first Native American and first Native woman to serve as U.S. Attorney for Arizona. If John McCain is elected President, look for Ms. Humetewa’s name to be mentioned for some very influential positions in the federal judiciary and/or Justice Department.

2. Darold McDade: Member of the Te-Moak Band of Western Shoshone of Nevada. Darold McDade was appointed as a 4^th District Court Judge for the State of Utah. Judge McDade has considerable influence when 98.7% of the state’s white population has to call him “Your Honor!” Judge McDade is just ahead of Ms. Humetewa because he has the ultimate authority to throw you in jail! Also look for Judge McDade’s name to be mentioned in the years to come for some very influential judiciary positions!

1. Jacoby Ellsbury: Member of Colorado River Tribes, Navajo. Jacoby Ellsbury was a member of the 2007 World Champion Boston Red Sox. They defeated the Cleveland Indians to get to the championship series where they beat the Colorado Rockies for the title. Doesn’t get much better than winning a World Series Championship Ring!

Feeling a bit rebellious, she wrote to me and said, “I struggled to come up with another topic for days, but I keep running into this brick wall…. I have decided to write the paper anyhow, and hope that my grade doesn’t suffer for it. I mean, the very fact that there are still Native American-influenced images in use as mascots makes it current, right? …. so I don’t have a choice but to write about it.”

We agreed that it is still a current issue! We cited the “current” Indian mascot controversies a the University of North Dakota, Natick, Massachusetts High School, University of Utah, Newberry College, Cleveland Indians, and the Washington Redskins. We could go on, but there are more than enough current Indian mascots issues to write about.

She did write her paper, and we promised to reward her efforts by posting her paper on our website. We are happy to present our guest writer:

Jill Beattie

American Indian Mascots:

A Past Grievance?

(Click on above title to read her article)

In March of 2007, the Natick School Committee voted to retire the “Redmen” mascot, stating that the name was offensive to area tribes and tribal members. The School Committee initially selected a new Natick “Hawks” mascot. The Natick community and alumni, encouraged by alumni Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie, were not happy with the change and mounted a challenge to the School Committee decision to retire the “Redmen” mascot. A petition drive followed, and the matter was put on the March 25, 2008, election ballot. In a non-binding ballot, the residents of Natick voted by nearly 2 to 1 to reverse the School Committee decision to retire the “Redmen” mascot. Shortly after the election, the School Committee seemed content with their decision, and said that the “Redmen” would remain retired. The School Committee abandoned the “Hawks” mascot in favor of the original Natick “Red and Blue” nickname in hopes of gaining public support.

It appears now that the School Committee is prepared to give in to the will of the Natick residents and restore the racist “Redmen” mascot. A Public Forum at this point is a waste of time and money. If the point is getting public input on the matter, the voters spoke on March 25^th by nearly a 2 to 1 margin that they want the “Redmen” mascot restored. Why hire a “neutral person” to preside at a return the “Redmen” feeding frenzy?

Although I am not offering legal advice, I would suggest saving the money to be spent on an attorney. I have been legal counsel to two tribal governments, a tribal court judge, and I have taught Native Studies classes at the University of Nebraska – Omaha for over 14 years. To the best of my knowledge, it is not illegal to display racial ignorance towards Indians by using Indian mascots. If using Indian mascots were a crime, we would have to convert hundreds of high schools and a few colleges into prisons to hold all of the violators.

If, by some miracle, you are successful at convincing the “Redmen” supporters to adopt the original “Red & Blue” mascot, we offer a new mascot. The new “RED & BLUE” mascot incorporates the likeness of Natick’s own Heisman Trophy winner. The new mascot should make your heart swell with pride and make you forget all about the old racist “Redmen” mascot. We introduce “FLOOTY THE MASCOT.”

However, if the masses win out and you decide to retain the racist “Redmen” mascot, we only request that you change your Natick High School Mission Statement to reflect your selfish and intolerant attitude. Please delete the part about your school being “…dedicated to helping all students reach their highest academic, physical and social potential.” Also remove the section that references creating a “supportive and respectful environment,” and being a place where “…students are encouraged to be informed, responsible and productive citizens.” Finally, your Mission Statement should not reflect that you are a place that seeks to “…foster personal responsibility, integrity and honesty in all members of the Natick High School Community.” It would probably be easier to just include the following disclaimer: “NATICK HIGH SCHOOL, WE JUST DON’T CARE ABOUT INDIANS AND THEIR PC FEELINGS! SHUT UP AND BE HONORED, REDMAN!”

Honor Indians Institute will then adopt an “unofficial” new Natick mascot, and forever to us, you will be known as the NATICK REDNECK MEN!

GO NATICK “NECKS”!!!

A recent editorial in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, entitled “Chief Wahoo Should Go”, encouraged the demise of the Cleveland Indians logo. We agree that it is long overdue for the retirement of Chief Wahoo, and the “Indians” mascot. The editorial cited Sen. Barack Obama’s recent speech on race in the United States as justification for revisiting “Chief Wahoo” who was labeled as the “most offensive racial icon in the country.”

The editorial rightly points out that Chief Wahoo lives on today because Indian protests of the icon fall mostly on deaf ears. We as tribal members are invisible to the vast general public. When we do speak up, we are told to shut up and be “honored” or that we represent “political correctness” run amok. We also frequently hear “don’t you have bigger problems to worry about?” My response has always been that fighting ignorance and racism is a pretty good justification of my time and efforts.

The executive director of the Cleveland NAACP, Stanley Miller, was somewhat sympathetic to tribal members when he stated, “It makes me feel bad,” he said that if a similar icon was used to portray black Americans, “the NAACP would be up in arms about it. The Urban League would be up in arms about it.” He further stated that “At some point, the silent majority of this community has to stand up and say ‘Enough is enough.’ And we just haven’t done that.”

We at Honor Indians Institute ask Mr. Miller, why haven’t you spoken up on the issue? As you stated, you would not sit silently if the mascot were the CLEVELAND NEGROES:

We have already offered an alternative Cleveland ENGINES mascot, but now we introduce a more appropriate and correct alternative to Chief Wahoo. We offer the new CLEVELAND INDIANS icon:

As always, we are here, not just to complain, but to offer solutions!!!

The University of Utah is returning $2 million dollars in federal grant monies, which funded their American Indian Teacher Training Program. The money was awarded to the U. of U. by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Indian Education. The U. of U. officials said that it would cost the university approximately $1.5 million dollars over the next 4 years, and they didn’t want to commit the funds necessary to continue the program. The program has graduated 30 Indian teachers. If continued, the program would have graduated another 20 Indian students.

Gwen Spotted Elk, the program’s director, disputes the $1.5 million dollar figure. She said that the program could have been managed for $90,000 per year, which the university had previously allocated for the program. Ms. Spotted Elk has questioned the university’s commitment to tribal students.

Honor Indians Institute would like to suggest that the University of Utah voluntarily return the “Ute” mascot as well. If they do not, we would suggest that the Ute Tribe rescind their approval to use the “UTE” mascot. This could trigger this likely scenario, which could lead to the return of American Indian Teacher Training Program at the U. of U.

If the Ute Tribe rescinds their permission to use the “UTE” mascot, the NCAA would have to invoke the “hostile and abusive” tag on the U. of U. This would lead to the revocation of the NCAA’s exemption of the “UTE” mascot.

Once the NCAA bans the “UTE” mascot, angry Ute alumni would more than likely create a special Ute Mascot Defense Fund and contribute millions of dollars to sue the NCAA and thereby save their beloved mascot. If the University of North Dakota alumni can raise and spend $2 million dollars for legal fees to sue the NCAA to save their “Fighting Sioux” mascot, it should be nothing for the U. of U. to raise the necessary funds to rescue their mascot. Another advantage the U. of U. has is that the law firm that represented the University of North Dakota is based out of Salt Lake City. They are experienced and surely ready for another multi-million dollar Indian mascot lawsuit!

Once the money has been collected, we would suggest that instead of litigation, the money be transferred to the University budget to pay for the American Indian Teacher Training Program. This proposal is similar to our “Indian Mascot Offset” program. To ensure the continuation of the American Indian Teacher Training Program, we would suggest that a permanent “Ute Indian Mascot Offset” program be implemented. The U. of U. could require season ticket holders to purchase a yearly “Ute Indian Mascot Offset.” The funds generated by the permanent “offset” would be dedicated to Indian education efforts at the university.

If the university does not want to fund a successful Indian teacher training initiative, we say “NO INDIAN TEACHERS, NO INDIAN MASCOT!!!”

JOBA CHAMBERLAIN:

April 3, 2008:  Joba pitched a scoreless 8th inning.  He struck out 1 batter while earning his 1st win of the season.  New York beat Toronto 3-2.

Opening Day, April 1, 2008: Joba pitched a scoreless eighth inning, striking out 2 batters in the New York Yankee’s opening day 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

April 2, 2008: Did not pitch in the Yankee’s 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

JACOBY ELLSBURY:

Opening Day, April 1, 2008: Jacoby played left field for the Boston Red Sox and went 1 for 5, with 1 R.B.I. in the Red Sox 2-1 victory over the Oakland A’s

April 2, 2008: Played left field but had no at bats in Boston’s 5-0 win over the A’s.

JOBA CHAMBERLAIN:

Opening Day, April 1, 2008: Joba pitched a scoreless eighth inning, striking out 2 batters in the New York Yankee’s opening day 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

April 2, 2008: Did not pitch in the Yankee’s 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

JACOBY ELLSBURY:

Opening Day, April 1, 2008: Jacoby played left field for the Boston Red Sox and went 1 for 5, with 1 R.B.I. in the Red Sox 2-1 victory over the Oakland A’s

April 2, 2008: Played left field but had no at bats in Boston’s 5-0 win over the A’s.

In October of 2007, UND and the NCAA entered into a settlement agreement ending the legal battle over the Fighting Sioux mascot. UND was allowed to retain the Fighting Sioux mascot for three years while the university attempted to negotiate with a North Dakota Sioux tribe for permission to permanently retain the mascot. If UND failed to obtain tribal approval, the mascot would be permanently retired by November 2010. So far, no North Dakota Sioux tribe has approved of the “Fighting Sioux” mascot, and approval does not appear likely within the three year time period.

Also, as part of the settlement, the NCAA withdrew the claim that UND is “hostile and abusive” to American Indians. This was key to UND as NCAA policy bars schools with Indian imagery it deems as “hostile and abusive” from displaying their imagery, or mascots, in postseason play like the “Frozen Four.”

The NCAA should not have withdrawn the “hostile and abusive” claim so quickly. Almost immediately after announcing the settlement, the UND community responded with the following comments:

“…if we don’t have the Sioux nickname, then we need to get rid of the programs offered to the native Americans ….. Why is our school being “picked on” by the native Americans when we kiss their butt in every way possible….”

“I also feel that all special programs that have been developed to appease the native Americans at UND should be dropped… I say the university should turn its back on the native American community.”

“Drop the nickname… then drop ALL Indian studies programs at UND…. Let them search for a free lunch somewhere else if they’re so damned opposed to the nickname.”

“I feel Native American programs should be cut since the reason they exist was a way to show the Native American respect. If they feel so strongly about the name change, they should also realize that program cuts are also coming. AS they should!!!!!”

“Why in the world would UND want anything close to being associated with Native Americans after this fiasco?”

“I think if the logo/name is changed the Indians should go back to their reservations.”

“If it’s not possible to keep the logo then I say that we cut all Native American programs at UND to pay for the removal of the UND Logo.”

“As an alumni, … before I give another dime to support the alumni assoc., there had better be a clean sweep or elimination of ALL the Indian Studies programs. PERIOD!!”

“If the nickname goes, so goes the Native American programs at UND is my vote. Let them do their little pow wow somewhere else every year”

While the ink was still drying on the settlement agreement, the UND chapter of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority sponsored an off campus “Cowboy and Indian” themed party. Those dressed as Indians did not “paint” a pretty or accurate picture of Indians. A discrimination complaint was filed with University officials by members of the UND American Indian Student Services house. The UND American Indian Student Service house is located next to the Gamma Phi Beta sorority house on campus.

The sorority has been placed on probation by its national office and by UND’s dean of students office pending an investigation of the discrimination complaint. To make matters worse, the sorority’s adviser is the wife of the hockey coach and daughter of UND’s alumni director.

The university allowed an atmosphere that is clearly “hostile and abusive” to Indians. The NCAA should not have to step in and take action against UND. UND should do the right thing and implement their own penalty of removing the “Fighting Sioux” logo from the team uniform. This would accomplish a couple of
things:

1. Good faith to the NCAA that they are taking steps to remedy hostile and abusive actions displayed by the UND community; and

2. Prove to the University community that ultimately they can win a championship without the “Fighting Sioux” mascot because you are going to ultimately have to do without the logo in the near future.

Who knows, you may surprise yourselves and actually win this time. We would actually root for you to win. This would prove to other teams with Indian mascots that you can actually win by your skill and not because you have an Indian head on your jersey.

Honor Indians Institute would like to honor Peter Sanfaçon. He is a non-Indian advocate for the elimination of racial stereotypes in the form of sports mascots, nicknames, and logos in high schools, colleges and universities, and in professional sports.

Peter now lives in Massachusetts, but he was born and raised in Rochester, New Hampshire, where he attended Spaulding High School during the 1970s. Since 1950 the nickname of Spaulding’s sports teams has been the “Red Raiders.” The current logo is a profile of a bright red-faced Indian man wearing two feathers in his hair.

On Martin Luther King Day in January 2006, Peter wrote to Spaulding principal Robert Pedersen and asked him if he’d consider changing the name and logo to something that wasn’t offensive. His reply was the standard “we feel we are honoring Native Americans.” After sending a subsequent letter to the school superintendent, the school board scheduled a public hearing April. During this hearing, residents were invited to voice their opinions. Only 60 residents showed up, but they were in unanimous support of the status quo, despite the 2002 resolution by the New Hampshire Board of Education calling for an end to “Indian” sports mascots at all N.H. public schools.

It was at this time that Peter launched the New England Anti-Mascot Coalition. His correspondence with Rochester School District officials continues and, as a direct result of this correspondence, beginning in the fall of 2007 Spaulding High School will offer a semester-long college prep course in “Native American Indian Studies.” Peter remains hopeful that the Rochester School District will continue local discussions regarding racism and racial stereotypes, and will take real responsibility for providing diversity education in Rochester.

Since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s national organizations like the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the NAACP, the National Congress of American Indians, the Intertribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, and the American Indian Movement have each called for the end of the practice of using Native American cultures and religious symbols as sports mascots, nicknames, and logos.

In New England alone there are 95 high schools using names like “Indians,” “Warriors,” “Tomahawks,” “Redskins,” or “Red Raiders.” It is these 95 high schools that are the focus of the efforts of the New England Anti-Mascot Coalition. Since 2006, letters written by Peter and others who support this effort have been sent to school officials, local newspapers, and other news outlets throughout New England asking those in leadership positions to stand up for those who do not have a significant voice in this region. According to the latest U.S. Census, Native Americans and Alaska Natives make up less than six tenths of one percent of the total population of the six New England states (New Hampshire’s Indian population is just 0.2% of the state total).

It is his hope that by providing education to communities across New England, we can finally bring an end to an outdated practice and encourage school districts to start new traditions that embrace diversity and inspire students to become exemplary citizens and leaders within their community. Honor Indians Institute supports the mission of Mr. Sanfacon and NEAMC.

Honor Indians Institute would like to honor Brooktynn Zendejas and Merrill Yesslith. They represented Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School at the National Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) Moot Court Competition. The competition was held at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU, in Tempe, AZ. Brooktynn & Merrill were 1 of 58 teams participating in this year’s competition. They competed against schools from the University of Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. Brooktynn and Merrill advanced to the “sweet sixteen” and they were eventually eliminated after competing against last year’s winners.

This year’s problem dealt with a tribe’s jurisdiction over fee lands within a reservation. The team researched issues on relinquishment of tribal membership status and tribal jurisdiction over fee lands owned by Indians and non-Indians.

Please don’t accuse the artist of racism. My son is equal parts Polish (1/4^th) and Indian (1/4^th Omaha tribe).

Here are the “Red Raider/Raider” mascots used by Loup City, Nebraska, North Quincy and Watertown, Massachusetts:

Does Loup City’s Red Raider look similar to N. Quincy and Watertown? We thought so too. The Loup City Red Raider is “red” and the flag is now a spear. However, as my students pointed out, the spear is being carried over the shoulder and pointed to the rear, not exactly a fighting position. We also noticed that the Loup City Red Raider had a “Mohawk” hairstyle, not necessarily a plains Indian style.

Based on our limited research, North Quincy claims original ownership of this particular Red Raider mascot. We are certainly open for correction if this is not the case. Having said that, a writer, as found on NEAMC’s web site, claims that this mascot is modeled after a Quincy benefactor, Dr. Yacubian. They refer to their beloved icon as YAKOO. Loup City High School historians can certainly correct us if this is not the case, or maybe two different artists had the same vision of what an Indian Red Raider should look like. We would love to hear. Loup City, if you did borrow the image from N. Quincy, how can you claim such an undying love and loyalty to an icon that originally wasn’t yours?

To Loup City, N. Quincy and Watertown, and to the other schools that use the “Red Raider/Raider” Indian mascot: exactly what aspect of Indian lifestyle are you trying to honor? Our research indicates that a “Raider” is synonymous with someone who steals, burglarizes, and robs. Is this really an honor to Indians? I spent 2 years as a tribal court judge, and we honored Indian thieves by giving them their own private room with steel bars. Have you really stopped to think about what you are doing? Remember, you are educational institutions with mission statements that claim you are about the “…promotion of civic responsibility and ethics” (Watertown High School Mission Statement). We invite you to examine your school mission statement and ask yourselves if you are really living up to your stated mission.

Would you even consider “honoring” the African American community by calling yourselves the BLACK BURGLARS?

Or, how about “honoring” the Hispanic community by calling yourselves the BROWN BANDITOS!

If not, then why do you continue to “honor Indians” by clinging to your RED RAIDERS?

We would like to hear from you!

Rachael Mendoza is an enrolled member of the Siksika Nation, which is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy which also consists of the Piikani and Kainaiwa of southern Alberta and the Blackfeet in the State of Montana. Ms. Mendoza is a junior currently attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and is an Education major. She will also finish up her Native American minor at the end of this semester. She was recently awarded the Blizak and MacAllister Scholarships at UNO. She is a mother of three children, ages 8, 6 and 5. She is actively involved in Inter-Tribal Student Council at the UNO, as the secretary of the group. Rachael also sings at the drum with the Maverick Renegades (Native UNO drum group). She works as a tutor for the N.I.C.E. (Native Indians for College Education) program at Omaha North High School for the past two years. She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and serves as a teacher in Relief Society women’s organization.

The “Commit to the Negro” wave that has swept the country has some in the Hillary camp in panic mode. So much so that they are digging in deep and reaching for the race card, well actually they did that in South Carolina, but they are getting more blatant in their desperation.

Case in point, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, a Hillary supporter, recently said that some white voters in his state would not vote for Barack because he is black. Governor Rendell said, “You’ve got conservative whites here, and I think there are some whites who are probably not ready to vote for an African-American candidate…”

We are certainly not offering an endorsement of Barack Obama. However, we believe that he ought to be judged on his political philosophy and character, NOT his race.

To assist those “whites” in Pennsylvania who Governor Rendell is referring to, we offer BROCK O’BAMA. Maybe if you can imagine him as a white/Irish Catholic it may help you get over fears of a black man as president.

The approximate 1,800 petitioners claim that they are trying to preserve Natick pride and family tradition. The petitioners have the support of arguably their most famous graduate, Heisman trophy winner, Doug Flutie. Mr. Flutie apparently said that people should quit “walking on eggshells.”

Predictably, the Natick Indian mascot loyalist points to tradition, pride and a desire to “honor Indians” as the reasons to keep their Indian icon. They also express contempt and intolerance for Indians who don’t share their deep rooted tradition, pride and honor in their mascot. They accuse us of having nothing better to do but harass them. They say that there are bigger issues facing Indians, and that our time would be better spent addressing those issues.

To the Indian mascot loyalist, I say, “look in the mirror.” Who has spent the better part of a year steaming and stewing because your beloved “Redmen” has been taken from you? How much time, money and energy has been spent in an effort to place this on the ballot. Isn’t there other issues more pressing in your community than trying to preserve a racist icon? At least you aren’t as bad as the University of North Dakota, who spent over $2 million dollars on attorney fees fighting the NCAA in federal court in an attempt to keep their “Fighting Sioux” logo.

To the Natick “Redmen” community, Honor Indians Institute disagrees with your belief that Indian mascots “honor Indians.” We believe that Indian mascots perpetuate ignorance about tribes and tribal members. However, we strongly support your democratic efforts to be heard. Regardless of the outcome, we would politely request that you stop with the hypocrisy stated in your Natick School Mission Statement. As posted on your school website, it reads:

“Our Mission: Natick High School is a community of learners dedicated to helping all students reach their highest academic, physical and social potential. Within a supportive and respectful environment, students are encouraged to be informed, responsible and productive citizens. Recognizing the diversity of our students and the different ways in which they develop, we use a variety of teaching and assessment strategies and offer a range of educational opportunities. Through every aspect of school life, we seek to foster personal responsibility, integrity and honesty in all members of the Natick High School community. The Natick Public Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.”

Please state how you are creating a “supportive and respectful” environment for your students when local tribal members and leaders tell you that the “Redmen” mascot is racist and offensive, and you disregard their opinion anyway. Please state how “informed and responsible” can you be about tribes and tribal members when you can totally disregard their customs and beliefs to satisfy your misinformed race based traditions. Are you really seeking to “foster personal responsibility, integrity and honesty” when what you are really saying is to hell with what you Indians think, we want OUR Indian back! I believe Mr. Flutie summed up your real pent up feelings by suggesting that you are tired of “walking on eggshells” or caring about what Indians care or feel, it’s all about us, and what we want. Finally, how can you, with a straight face, state that you don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color and sex, when your desired “Redmen” symbol for your educational institution is based on RACE, COLOR and SEX (gender)?

Our primary mission is to educate, and hopefully provide an alternative to Indian mascot imagery. We have developed a couple of alternatives for the Natick High School community to consider.

First, to Mr. Flutie, if you are really tired of walking on eggshells, we suggest throwing caution to the wind, and just stomping on a couple dozen of p/c eggshells. Please consider “honoring” the African American community by adopting the NATICK NEGROES!!!

If you are not prepared to proudly wear this ICON on the front of your uniform, then why an INDIAN?

Our second alternative is offered as a “compromise” to the Redmen. This option is meant to incorporate “Redmen” into a more sensitive, historically correct and regionally acceptable ICON! We offer for your consideration: THE NATICK RedWhitenBlueMen!

You’re welcome, we are here to help.

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning is gaining a reputation as a modern day “Indian Fighter.” On January 30, 2008, Attorney General Jon Bruning filed suit in the Iowa Federal District Court challenging the National Indian Gaming Commission’s decision that would allow gaming on Ponca Tribal trust land located in Carter Lake, IOWA. The Ponca trust land is literally just minutes from downtown Omaha, Nebraska.

Bruning stated “Nebraskans have repeatedly said no to casino gambling in our state, … The Ponca Tribe shouldn’t be able to circumvent voters’ wishes.” Bruning is correct in stating the Nebraska voters did indeed reject a casino gambling initiative in NEBRASKA as recently as 2004. Another casino initiative failed in 2006. However, Mr. Bruning needs to be reminded that Carter Lake is actually in IOWA. Casino gambling is legal in Iowa, and therefore, the Ponca Tribe should be able to negotiate with the Iowa officials regarding their Carter Lake property. If Iowa officials have a problem with the Ponca casino aspirations in Carter Lake, Iowa, then they can address this issue, NOT Nebraska Attorney General Bruning!

On February 7, 2008, Bruning filed suit against the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma, in Nebraska State court for allegedly failing to pay into a “tobacco escrow account.” The Seneca-Cayuga tribe has paid into the account in years past, but claim that they should not have had to pay into the account. They are currently challenging the legality of the nearly $4 million dollars that they have already paid into the tobacco account. They are now seeking to be reimbursed the $4 million dollars that they have already paid into the account. They have refused to pay more until their legal challenge to the tobacco account is exhausted in federal court. A federal court judge ruled in September, 2007, that the tribe can pursue their claim that they are not obligated to pay into the account.

In 2007, Attorney General Jon Bruning backed the Village of Pender, Nebraska, and Pender bar owners in challenging an alcohol tax imposed by the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska. Bruning backs the claim of the Village of Pender that the tax does not apply to Pender because Congress diminished the Omaha Reservation, in which Pender is located. The Nebraska Federal District Court ordered the case to be first heard in the Omaha Tribal Court, before the Village of Pender can challenge the tax in federal court.

Bruning has his critics who claim that he is ignoring civil rights enforcement in Nebraska. Specifically, in November, 2007, the Nebraska Equal Opportunity alleged that Bruning has failed to enforce housing, age and public accommodation discrimination claims. NEOC states that over the past 5 years, Bruning has filed only 1 discrimination suit out of over 105 submitted to his office for prosecution. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has threatened to de-certify NEOC and withhold funding because of Bruning’s failure to prosecute any of the 40 housing discrimination claims. Bruning’s office has stated that there is insufficient evidence to prosecute the claims and that he is not constitutionally obligated to pursue the discrimination claims.

Bruning has a proven track record of ignoring minority and aged discrimination claims, yet he goes out of his way (even outside of the state) to sue Indian tribes! Attorney General Bruning appears to be taking every opportunity to challenge the sovereignty of Indian tribes, hence earning the title of “INDIAN FIGHTER.”

I would like to publicly respond to the good people of Loup City, Nebraska, specifically to Kaleb, who I hope to meet some day. Kaleb has questioned my opinion that the Loup City “Red Raider” Indian mascot is the “MOST RACIST INDIAN MASCOT” in Nebraska, and most likely the United States. His challenge is based on the premise that “Indians” are not a “race” but an ethnic group, and therefore technically, racism cannot exist.

Kaleb uses the “biological” definition of race, which only considers Black, White and Asian as “races.” Without getting into a long treatise on race, I would suggest a quick review of Ian F. Haney Lopez, The Social Construction of Race: Some Observations on Illusion, Fabrication, and Choice, 29 Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review 1-62, 6-7, 11-17 (Winter, 1994). Lopez states that, “The idea that there exist three races, and that these races are “Caucasoid,” “Negroid,” and “Mongoloid,” is rooted in the European imagination of the Middle Ages, which encompassed only Europe, Africa, and the Near East… Nevertheless, the history of science has long been the history of failed efforts to justify these social beliefs…. The rejection of race in science is now almost complete.”

Lopez suggests the “social” definition of race as “a vast group of people loosely bound together by historically contingent, socially significant elements of their morphology and/or ancestry.” This definition has gained acceptance over the biological definition of race. The United Nations has adopted a similar social definition race, as “All human beings belong to a single species and share a common origin…. All peoples of the world possess equal faculties for attaining the highest level in intellectual, technical, social, economic, cultural and political development. The differences between the achievements of the different people are entirely attributable to geographical, historical, political, economic, social and cultural factors.” As a general rule, I am not a big fan of the United Nations, but this definition of race appears to have gained general acceptance. This definition would also be consistent with the Loup City School District’s mission statement of “Preparing students for the world they will help to build. It is no longer sufficient to consider ourselves as citizens of our own little communities. As the graphic above implies, we are citizens of the world. It is the goal of the Loup City Public School system to ensure that our students will be prepared to be citizens of the world.”

So, having said all that, I would argue that Indians/Tribal members meet the “social” definition of a “race” of people. Therefore, racism against Indians could occur.

In order for racism to occur, as Kaleb correctly points out, there needs to be “hatred or intolerance” directed towards Indian people. I certainly do NOT suggest that those that support the use of Indian mascots “hate” Indian people. Intolerance can be defined as either an unwillingness or refusal to tolerate or respect contrary opinions, beliefs, or persons of different races or backgrounds; or an unwillingness to recognize and respect differences in opinions or beliefs. I do suggest that there is intolerance aplenty when it comes to failing to respect contrary opinions of tribal members that speak out about the ignorance that Indian mascots perpetuate. Please read comments from “Commit to the Indian” as an example of how we are “tolerated” when we dare to question the appropriateness of Indian mascots. I certainly do not believe that my beliefs should be forced upon the Indian mascot supporter. As I have stated in this web site, I believe that our role is to educate non-Indians about tribes and tribal members, then let people choose for themselves what to believe. If you still want to cling to your Indian mascot, we can live with that. Just don’t get offended if you and/or your mascot get accused of being racist!

Finally, Kaleb asks how can something that instills pride in the students and athletes cause a problem? Kaleb, you and other Loup City students see your mascot and feel pride. I look at it and see perpetuation of ignorance. I am sure you can think of other symbols that you revere and others feel contempt. Your obligation is to open your mind and find out why I feel your mascot is inappropriate and perpetuates ignorance. My offer to come to Loup City is still open. I would love to meet you and your classmates.

Denis Savard, coach of the National Hockey League Chicago Blackhawks, created quite a stir at a recent post-game press conference, when he urged his team to “Commit to the Indian.” Chicago Blackhawk fans have taken to the quote and some are suggesting adopting it as the “unofficial” team motto. The Chicago Blackhawk team has not officially endorsed the slogan, but apparently, you can already purchase “Commit to the Indian” tee-shirts on the internet.

The fan frenzy created by the slogan prompted Chicago Sun Times columnist Carol Slezak to write “Commit to tastefulness” where she reported that the newly coined motto did not go over well in some parts of the Chicago Native American community. Slezak interviewed the Executive director of the Chicago American Indian Center who stated “For a fan base to use that statement as its motto is terrible …. What are they teaching the kids? These old symbols perpetuate the belief that American Indians are a thing of the past and that natives don’t exist…. It is very insulting…. Comments like that make no sense. They speak to racism and a lack of awareness of what symbols mean. It’s a lack of cultural understanding for him to make that kind of statement…. We’re not happy about the logo, either,…It’s on our list to be removed…. I can’t speak for what their logo means to them, but as a representation of our people, it feeds into other stereotypical things. These kind of symbols went out with every other race and culture a long time ago.” The Director suggested that if fans and the Blackhawks team wanted to “commit to the Indian” they could learn more about Tribes and tribal members, and assist the Indian Center provide meals, scholarships and funds for renovation of the Indian Center building.

To this suggestion, fans responded with the following comments on the Sun Times message board:

“Are we going overboard with political correctness? I think so….”

“…why are Native Americans wasting all of their time and energy trying to eliminate symbols that invoke unparalleled pride, joy, and camaraderie such as the Hawk’s Indian head or Chief Illiniwek?”

“We need more things in this world that invoke such good feelings in people, not fewer. It’s been a long, long time since the Hawks inspired me as they did w/Savard’s comment, and clearly I’m not alone. Why would a person want to make this stop?”

“And why would the Hawks bow to a small negative faction instead of running with the pride of their fans?”

“I don’t understand the big deal about any of the Indian based nicknames…. As a society we have to stop giving in to political correctness so much. Especially over things that are not offensive.”

“Any reference to the Indian is only symbolic and is intended to instill pride that is Blackhawk hockey.”

“People need to get a life. When will native Americans finally become just Americans. And why do they still need to be fed? Why can’t they take care of themselves…. I, for one, will Commit to the Indian.”

People need to … quit being so OFFENDED! … the Blackhawk’s Indian is a symbol of strength and pride.”

“When will this nonsense ever end???”

“I’ll buy a shirt with the slogan on it well before I’d give these whiners anything.”

“The so called Native Americans have many casinos that make plenty of money, tax free, to contribute.”

“… if the Blackhawks truly cared about what was important to the Native American people and wanted to find a symbol which stands for what the Native American culture today and also pay homage to their traditions, just the way they themselves have done, they should change their logo to a tastefully designed CASINO CHIP!”

“To refer to this man as “the Indian” is to honor his American Indian heritage.”

“I’m sick of all this whining, hand wringing, PC crap.”

“I am so tired of hearing all the politically correct B.S. that the minority in this country whine about. LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE, give it a rest.”

“There’s no bad intent… yet people are offended anyway?… those are the people we can do without … and I’m not kidding even a little bit right this second.”

To this HONOR INDIANS INSTITUTE says, WE AGREE with the slogan: COMMIT TO THE INDIAN!!! With the following addendums:

COMMIT TO THE INDIAN, by:

1. Demanding that Congress pass the INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT! Joe Garcia, President of the National Congress of American Indians called on Congress to pass the long-overdue Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Garcia said the bill has been delayed for more than a decade. “Indian health care services have not been updated in 16 years … Almost two decades of health modernization has left Indian Country behind,” he added.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the vice chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, has been one of the main proponents of the bill. However, she said she was “frustrated” by the delays that have prevented reauthorization of the IHCIA. Senator Murkowski said “We will keep pushing in the Senate,” as she questioned why more of her colleagues haven’t made the bill a priority.

Come on Congress, “COMMIT TO THE INDIAN” Health Care Improvement Act!

2. Demand that the U.S. Government settle the Cobell v. Kempthorne case by paying the BILLIONS $$$ that are owed Indian Trust account holders. On Wednesday, Judge James Robertson of the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the Interior Department had “unreasonably delayed” its accounting for billions of dollars owed to American Indian landholders and that the agency “cannot remedy the breach.” During the 11 years of litigation, the U.S. Government has destroyed records and has been held in contempt of court for failing to comply with court orders.

There can be no full remedy for the U.S. Government’s deplorable accounting or the years of dodging legal responsibility. Judge Robertson has stated that an accurate accounting of the billions that Indians are owed is impossible. However, a fair and just compromise can be reached, as he stated this “does not mean that a just resolution is hopeless.”

The U.S. Government needs to “COMMIT TO THE INDIAN” trust account holders and pay the billions that are owed to them!

SO CHICAGO, If that sounds too difficult, it may be easier to abandon the Indian mascot and adopt Honor Indian Institute’s Alternative Indian Mascot: THE CHICAGO BLACK HAWKS!!!

Honor Indians Institute would like to honor Carolyn K. Fiscus or “Big Momma” as she is affectionately known by her students and colleagues at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and she currently resides on her family farm in rural Iowa near the Omaha reservation. She is the Mom of Kaj 19, and Tiara 16. She has been involved in teaching for 37 years, 27 of which have been in some type of Native American Education.

Big Momma grew up in rural Iowa. She graduated from South Dakota State University with her B.S. and M.S. in Health Physical Education and Recreation and Northwest Missouri State University with an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration. She has done doctoral work in Curriculum and Instruction at Northern Arizona University.

Big Momma currently is the director of Community Outreach and Native American Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska. Her other professional skills and activities include directing the activities of Warrior Heart Women, Inc., an educational consultant firm for Native America. Her interests are in community leadership training, social capacity building, and urban Native identity research. She enjoys family activities such as pow-wows, camping, traveling, ceremony and Native arts and crafts.

Carlos Zendejas is an enrolled member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska. Carlos graduated from Brigham Young University in April 2007, from the Marriot School of Business with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing Management. He is currently a internet business consultant with Omniture, Inc., a publicly-traded consulting firm headquartered in Utah. He has helped develop online business strategies and reporting methodologies for General Motors, Sony, and J Crew corporations. Carlos is the President of the Board of Directors of Honor Indians Institute, and he created the Honor Indians Institute web site.

However, if there were a Governor’s Award for MOST RACIST INDIAN MASCOT, your school district would win that award as well. Honor Indians Institute would like to challenge the Loup City Public School administrators, parents, students and Nebraska Governor Heineman to discuss the appropriateness of their current “Red Raider” mascot. The name “Red Raider” is not inherently offensive. However, the Loup City “Red Raider” Indian logo is the MOST racist Indian caricature in Nebraska, and most likely, the United States. We have yet to come across an Indian mascot logo still in use today, that matches the level of stereotypical racist depiction of an Indian, as the one prominently displayed by the Loup City Public Schools.

Loup City Schools, parents, students, and Governor Heineman, it doesn’t have to be this way. Please discuss your logo, and ask yourselves, “Does this really HONOR INDIANS?” Loup City parents, we ask you to take the lead and get involved with this issue. You would honor Indians by getting rid of your current logo. To assist parents, we offer for your consideration, a new “RED RAIDER” logo: