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He described how meaningful it was to compete with a team that carries his tribe’s name, colors and a mascot that represents his people. He is currently studying business at Haskell Indian Nations University with hopes of making a career in the fitness and recreation industry.īear spent his high school career playing multiple team sports with the Meskwaki Warriors. Jonas Bear is a 2016 graduate of the Meskwaki Settlement School in Tama County. “Moreover, know that we are committed to working with you to expand and strengthen the curriculum your schools teach future generations of Iowans about Tribal Nations and peoples, particularly the undersigned Nations.” “We invite you to begin a dialogue with us so you can learn about contemporary Tribal Nations and peoples and why these mascots degrade us, misrepresent who we are, and dismiss the many important contributions we have made – and continue to make – to this great country,” the statement reads. In Indianola, however, the Des Moines Register has reported that three new school board candidates who oppose changing the Indians mascot were elected on Tuesday.Īs Iowa’s only federally recognized Native American tribe, leaders from the Meskwaki Nation asked that school districts involved in the mascot change process include them in the discussion. In Mason City, the Globe Gazette has reported that the school board is close to a consensus in favor of retiring their Mohawks mascot. Two other large school districts in Iowa, Indianola and Mason City, are currently engaged in discussions about potentially changing their mascots. “Out of respect for tribal sovereignty, we ask that you heed the voices of tribal leaders representing hundreds of Tribal Nations and the organizations that serve their citizens – not the voices of a few select individuals – when seeking to understand where Indian Country broadly stands on this issue.” “The will of Indian Country is clear – Native “themed” mascots and the dehumanizing stereotypes they perpetuate must go,” the letter reads.