Kathy Morning Star, director of the American Indian Cultural Support, states:

“It is the responsibility of educators to set the example and teach the youth

of today to respect other ethnic or minority peoples - NOT to exploit or

disrespect them by using them as 'mascots' or

stereotypical 'images' which perpetuates racism."

Michele LaRock, Chairperson, of the Wisconsin Indian Education Association affirmed the resolution and the efforts of the taskforce stating:

“It’s wonderful that people are standing up for our children.

Because that’s the bottom line of our sovereignty,

protecting our most valuable resource - our children, our future.”

Still stands in Salmon, Idaho today 2010.

Salmon schools will abandon Savages mascot
September 16, 1999 - Associated Press - SALMON, Idaho - The Salmon School Board has decided to change the Salmon Savages' Indian mascot after being told by attorneys that fighting a lawsuit being threatened by a national coalition would cost more than $100,000.

The National Coalition on Racism in Sports and the Media said it would file suit against the district if the Savages do not get rid of their Indian head logo. Indian mascots, especially those coupled with names such as Savage, are derogatory and offensive, coalition members said.

Last month the Illinois-based organization demanded a decision within 45 days and wanted the district to sign a memorandum of agreement saying they would get rid of both the logo and the name, and add Indian studies to the high school curriculum. The board voted not to sign the memorandum, and school board chairman Steve Lish said it would take longer to change the logo.

Local attorneys said fighting the name change in court could cost more than $100,000. In a district where teachers who do not scrimp on paper can find themselves without by the end of the year, a court battle is not an option, board members said. According to a timeline for responding to the coalition's demands, in January 2000 students and the community would select a new mascot/logo and a name if they wish. This month and next, the district will begin informing students and community groups. That will be followed in November with presentations on possible mascots. The board will make and announce its decision in December, and by the 2000-2001 school year the new mascot would be in place.

"The evolution of the Savage mascot," racist mascots used by the Salmon Savage High School from 1934-1999, printed by the Recorder Herald, Salmon, Idaho, Nov. 5, 2009. (Right >>)

Recorder Herald, Salmon, Idaho :: Opinion Pages

My two cents worth - Recorder Herald, Salmon, Idaho

Dear Editor:

I'd like to put in my own "two cents" on Ms. Ungaretti's column (below) in last week's The Recorder Herald.

She advocates the return of the portrait of a Native American as the "emblem" of the Salmon Savages,
and insists that the word "savage" has no negative connotations, merely meaning "not domesticated or under human control, untamed."

Ms. Ungaretti, if it's inconvenient for you to wrestle with a heavy old dictionary when you're right in the middle of a biased rant, just go to www.dictionary.com.

Read carefully and you'll find that your definition of "untamed" refers to the use of the word when describing animals.

Since even you would be forced to admit, if you were cornered on it, that Native Americans are human beings, you'll see that the word means "uncivilized, fierce, brutal, cruel, unpolished, rude, boorish," etc., when describing people.

You probably have a thicker hide than I do, Ms. Ungaretti, but personally I feel a little insulted when foreigners use these terms to describe my people, the oft-misunderstood American race.

Then again, let's look a bit at our local history. Without the help of the noble Sacajawea and her people, the Agai Dika, our white heroes would have starved.

Without the leadership of the noble Tendoy the Lemhi people would have probably joined up with Chief Joseph to wipe out young salmon City.

When you whine "why do you think they picked on Salmon," Ms. Ungaretti, if you have any shame at all, rereflect on the friendship that was extended to the first whites here. I won't tell you how it was repaid. Read up on it.

Savages! If you feel that "the only problem is that the Salmon Savages has no logo, mascot," Ms. Ungaretti, I have the solution: keep the Savages logo, as its so very dear to you, but make the mascot historically accurate: a portrait of a leering, bearded white man holding up a bottle of whiskey in one hand and a lying treaty in the other.

Peter McNevin
Lemhi

Thanks for the idea Peter!

Heres' my 102 cents worth (above), since it's been 102 years since the Lemhi-Shoshone people were removed by force after 12,000+ years of occupancy of the Lemhi Valley (Salmon, Idaho). The Lemhi people were stripped of federal recognition and exiled to Fort Hall, Idaho in 1907. Kel Ariwite - Lemhi-Shoshone descendant.

GO SAVEWAY SAVAGES!!!

Two more cents worth - Recorder Herald, Salmon, Idaho

Dear Editor: Peter McNevin failed to mention another "splendid service" the Lemhi people contributed to Lemhi County when they "ran all the Mormons completely out of this country," only to have them sneak back, one by one, and then run the Lemhi people out!

So it goes! Thar' aint no justice! Salmon city has never been the same without the native Lemhi peoples! They are sorely missed by this 'ol timer! Pete "you hit the nail squarely on the head" by your description of a logo, mascot!

It's neat to hear a native's opinion of this matter!

David L. Strode - Salmon, Idaho

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