WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) today reaffirms its long-standing opposition to the use of unsanctioned Native “themed” mascots, caricatures, and symbols. These depictions are not tributes — they are rooted in racism, cultural appropriation, and intentional ignorance. For too long, they have perpetuated harmful stereotypes that degrade, dehumanize, and visit harm on the well-being of Native peoples.
NCAI has helped lead Indian Country’s consensus-driven movement to retire harmful Native “themed” mascots from sports, schools, popular culture, and media for generations. NCAI resolutions — passed via consensus among member Tribal Nations — addressing the issue of inappropriate and stereotypical Native representation date back to 1950. Today’s renewed statement comes in response to recent public endorsements by political figures supporting unsanctioned Native “themed” mascots — a stance that NCAI and Tribal leaders nationwide unequivocally reject.
“Native people are not mascots,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “We have our own languages, cultures, and governments — our identities are not anyone’s mascot or costume. No political endorsement or misguided notion of ‘honoring’ us will change the fact that these mascots demean our people, diminish the enduring vibrancy of our unique cultures, and have no place in our society.”
Crucially, research in recent years reflects this: the monikers, images, and fan behaviors associated with Native “themed” mascots cause Native people harm, especially impacting Native youth. Retiring these harmful mascots is an important and necessary first step toward creating an appropriate and respectful learning environment for all students. Absent a formal agreement with a sovereign Tribal Nation, NCAI supports the retirement of Native “themed” mascots in public K-12 schools across the United States.
"It’s time to choose respect over ignorance," said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “Our youth deserve to see themselves treated with dignity, not as punchlines or cartoonish relics of the past. The continued defense of these mascots is a refusal to confront racism. Enough is enough.”
Out of respect for tribal sovereignty, NCAI encourages school districts, regardless of their mascot, to consult with nearby Tribal Nations to discuss ways to honor their unique histories, cultures, languages, and peoples in curricula and beyond. There is no better way to ensure their rich histories, deep connection to the land, and ongoing contributions to our communities are never forgotten than to teach their stories and value their collaboration. Honor Tribal Nations by respecting their perspectives, uplifting their voices, and championing their wealth of knowledge, particularly in matters directly impacting their citizens and Indian Country as a whole.
“As Tribal leaders, we have a responsibility to our future generations,” added President Macarro. “Our children deserve to attend schools where their cultures are celebrated instead of mocked, and where curricula on tribal histories and contemporary realities are robust and tribally-informed. We will not rest in this pursuit.”
