Pokagon Band of Potawatomi support change
, 2023-01-23 05:09:54,
SOUTH BEND – Since becoming Tribal Chief for the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians in 2021, Rebecca Richards has worked with two Michigan high schools to change team nicknames geared toward Native Americans.
It hopes to add its first school in Indiana this year with South Bend St. Joseph’s.
“We appreciate the support and are glad that people understand and honor Native American heritage, but being a mascot is not the best way to honor Native American heritage,” Richards said via phone call last week.
more:New nickname in store for South Bend St. Joseph “Indians?” Title Committee
St. Joseph’s, a private parish organization in the city since 1953, recently established an evaluation committee to consider replacing its nickname and “Indians” mascot, according to a letter sent Tuesday to members of the St. Joe community.
Richards, speaking on behalf of the band to The South Bend Tribune, said her people support the moniker change in further distancing the school from original images and perceived or outdated ideals.
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Indiana with over 6,000 citizens spread across the country, but mostly in the 10 county service area of southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. Many of the band’s members reside in St. Joseph County, with some even attending St. Joseph’s High School.
Richards said that a surname change would mostly have a positive effect on young Native Americans, though such a change could …
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