JUANEÑO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
(Traditionally Know as the Acjachemem Nation)
P.O. Box 25628 · Santa Ana, CA  92799
(714) 841-0441 · Fax (714) 848-2951

RESOLUTION No. 103

Re: Use of American Indian Mascots by Public Schools and Institutions.

WHEREAS the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, traditionally known as the Acjachemem nations, is the indigenous Native American Indian tribe of the lands now known as Orange County, including parts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties in the State of California; and

WHEREAS the use of Native American names and images as mascots by schools perpetuates stereotypes about Native Americans; involves the misappropriation of Native American cultural identity; and often includes the display or depiction of symbols or practices having a religious significance to Native Americans; and

WHEREAS the use of Native American names and images as mascots by schools is likely to have a negative impact on the educational experience and self-esteem of Native American children; and

WHEREAS the Tribal Council considers the use of Native American names and images as mascots to be an offensive practice that is inconsistent with the affirmative obligations publics schools have to combat racism and to minimize and eliminate hostile environments on school ground;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the undersigned legally elected Tribal Council, representing the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, hereby denounces the use of Native American names and images as mascots by schools; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the undersigned legally elected Tribal Council supports legislative initiatives designed to prohibit or restrict the use of Native American names and images as mascots by public schools; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the undersigned legally elected Tribal Council calls upon all public schools that currently use Native American names and images as mascots to voluntarily change their mascots to non-ethnic mascots.

The Juaneño Band of Mission Indians resolution was gracious provided by Holly Tomren of Advocates for American Indian Children