At Miami of Ohio, we were once the Redskins. We wore that tradition proudly and

we recognized the deep cultural traditions and values of our namesake people.

As a prerequisite for the role of Chief Miami (our sports mascot) a student was

required to spend summers on tribal land, with the Miami tribe, and learn their

history and traditions. Only then could he take the role.

As part of the Indian Princess program, we are all about building/sustaining the

deepest core values of native American heritage (... the sacred circle of the

family, etc). The program itself is not just a vehicle for fostering

father-daughter relationships, because those of us who care enough to invest the

time would find another way to do that with just as much commitment. A primary

element of the program is that it is an opportunity to teach our children an

important piece of our nation's history and culture... one that (sadly) is in

danger of being lost. As much as I'd like to, I can't change the mistakes that

we white Americans have made in the past. I can, however, make an investment of

my time and energy to teach my children about the rich and colorful heritage of

the original people of this nation and do it in a way that my daughters find

interesting and fun. Every aspect of the use of "Indian" themes in our program

has been carried out with respect and has positively reinforced our children's

understanding of native American history and culture. To remove those themes

from the program only serves to further isolate our children's education, to

further isolate those rich traditions and cultures from our time and place in

this country, and to further encourage the loss of that history.

Rather than take the easy exit from a difficult problem, it would be a more

respectful tribute to the native American cultures and history, not to mention

more true to the theme of the program, if we clearly define and enforce a

historically accurate and respectful application of the native American themes.

That however, would take some real guts on the part of the program's leadership.

You're right, Kevin, shame on them. This program is on its way to being

stripped of it's underlying theme, and along with that, stripped of an

opportunity to teach our children something important about our country's past.

On the outcome of this decision, the kids lose. That's what we get from gutless

leadership. I too will stick it out until Maggie & Claire graduate. In five

years, though, when Jillian is of age for her shot at the program, I expect to

find a bland, diluted program, devoid of any richness and color. At that time,

I'll probably opt for another vehicle for my quality and quantity time with her.

On behalf of Running Wolf and Spotted Puppy, I will remain (for their sake)

Black Wolf. -mike minton