The Tribal Council of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians wants Dowagiac Union School District to stop using the Chieftains name and mascot.
In a prepared statement, the Tribal Council today formally ended their support for an agreement with Dowagiac School District approving the use of the school’s Chieftains logo and mascot. They said it’s time for Dowagiac schools to stop using the Chieftains logo because it furthers harmful stereotypes and has a detrimental effect on Native American youth.
Sam Morseau, Secretary of the Pokagon Band Tribal Council says they’ve tried to talk to the Dowagiac School Board about the issue but have not been able to.
“It’s concerning when there’s no open dialogue. Instead of having a meaningful conversation and working collaboratively, they decided to issue a statement and not even have that talk.”
In a statement, Dowagiac Union Schools Board President Brent Brewer says the school district respectfully declines to stop using the Chieftains logo, but they want to continue engaging with the Tribal Council to ensure the name receives the dignity, respect, and reverence it deserves. Morseau says there are a number of federal and state programs in jeopardy without effective collaboration between the schools and the tribes.
The Trial Council points out that to date, several school districts in the state of Michigan have retired their Native American logos, mascots, and nicknames, following consultation with Native American Tribes. In 2022, the Native American Heritage Fund announced funding to four Michigan school districts to assist with the cost of replacing their mascots including Saranac Community Schools, Hartford Public Schools, Lansing School District, and the Chippewa Hills School District.
