The INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL
of the FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES
Organized February 3, 1950

Resolution No. 2001 - 08 

THE FIVE CIVILIZED TRIBES INTERTRIBAL COUNCIL MASCOT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Intertribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes is an organization that united
                    the tribal governments of the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Cherokee,
                    Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole Nations, representing over 400,000 Indian
                    people throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Intertribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes Education Committee is
                    dedicated to promoting quality education for American Indian students that
                    includes cultural awareness and a sense of diversity among America's student
                    population; and

WHEREAS, the Five Civilized Tribes believe the use of derogatory American Indian images
                    such as mascots by public schools perpetuate a stereotypical image of American
                    Indians that is likely to have a negative impact on the self-esteem of American
                    Indian children; and

WHEREAS, negative images and stereotypes about American Indians as mascots contributes
                    to a hostile learning environment that affirms the negative images and stereotypes
                    that persist in America about American Indians; and

WHEREAS, American Indians as mascots is a negative means of appropriating and denigrating
                    our cultural identity that involves the display and depiction of ceremonial symbols
                    and practices that may have religious significance to American Indians; and

WHEREAS, to continue the negative use of American Indian's tribal names and images is an
                    offensive and disgusting practice that would be considered intolerable were other
                    ethnic groups or minorities depicted in a similar manner; and

WHEREAS, on April 13, 2001, the United States Commission on Civil Rights issued a Statement
                    on the Use of Native American Images and Nicknames as Sports Symbols that
                    called for an end to the use of American Indian images and team names by
                    non-Indian schools; that stereotyping of any racial, ethnic, religious or other groups
                    when promoted by public education institutions, teach all students that stereotyping of
                    minority groups is acceptable, a dangerous lesson in a diverse society; that schools
                    have a responsibility to educate their students; they should not use influence to
                    perpetuate misrepresentations of any culture or people; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Intertribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes
                    joins the United States Commission on Civil Rights call to eliminate the stereotypical
                    use of American Indian names and images as mascots in sports and other events and
                    to provide meaningful education about real American Indian people, current
                    American Indian issues, and, the rich variety of American Indian cultures in the U.S.

(Signed) Bill Anoatubby Governor Chickasaw Nation

(Signed) R. Perry Beaver Principal Chief  Creek Nation

(Signed) Chadwick Smith Principal Chief Cherokee Nation

(Signed) Jerry Haney  Principal Chief Seminole Nation

(Signed) Gregory E. Pyle Chief Choctaw Nation

July 14, 2001

P.O. Box 948. Tahlequah, OK 74465 (918) 456-0671 Fax (918) 924-1150

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Webmaster's note: Many thanks to Brian Buntz who has kindly made this important document available.  Mr. Buntz is involved in efforts to address Southeastern Oklahoma State University's use of the egregious "Savages" nickname, symbols, and related practices.