Minooka High School mascot task force continues to meet

MINOOKA – A special task force continues to meet to review and discuss next steps regarding the Minooka Community High School mascot, the Indians, according to a news release from the school.

The task force – composed of current students, teachers, administrators, parents, alumni and members of the community – was created after The Walker Group conducted a cultural assessment survey of the high school in 2020. The assessment recommended that the school “create a task force to review the mascot and its implications for inclusion and possible next steps, find ways to communicate respect for the Native Americans as a part of the mascot being a symbol for the school. Members of the Native American community should be a part of the discussions,” the release stated.

Since its first meeting on Feb. 22, the committee has heard presentations from Native American Guardian Association members Tony Henson and Eunice Davidson on the importance of supporting Native American mascots and “Let’s Talk Native” podcast host John Kane on why the school should dismiss the Indians mascot and other imagery.

The committee also has discussed various ways of infusing accurate local history and Native American culture into the curriculum and other activities throughout the year. Some of those action items would include a video at the Freshmen Experience Day assembly showcasing the importance of honoring the Native American culture that surrounded the area; partnering with the local American Legion during Veterans Day to include celebrating Native Americans who have served in the armed forces; and expanding the scope of promotion and education during Native American History Month.

“We thank the committee for all of their time and efforts with this endeavor,” Minooka Community High School District 111 Superintendent Kenny Lee said in the release. “While there is much work to be done, the committee remains enthusiastic about performing its assignment in a positive and respectful manner.”

The committee toured the buildings of MCHS south and central campuses to review imagery, signage, icons and graphics that are displayed on hallway walls, windows, bulletin boards, athletic areas and other public meeting spaces. The tour provided a unique insight on how the MCHS logo and other Native American logos and images are portrayed throughout the school.

The committee has created a working document based on the various discussions and presentations it has heard in order to start a list of action items.

Now that the initial task force committee meetings are complete, the committee will reduce the amount of time it meets to once a quarter in order to keep updated on the progress of the action items and to continue to find new avenues of being an inclusive environment.

The task force is a non-voting committee and has created a list of items to move forward with over the next school year that was approved by the school board in July. These items including but not limited to:

Curriculum

• Work with the director of curriculum and instruction, department chairs and staff to incorporate various Native American themes and history into the current curriculum.

• Explore Native American history and the role Native Americans played in the armed forces.

• Explore Native American authors and Native American-themed books to be added to the curriculum if aligned with standards.

• Incorporate Native American heritage food items into courses where appropriate.

• Explore Native American scientists, music and art.

• Work with Mr. Thomas and students to change the name of the Peace Pipe Chatter.

• Work with Mrs. Bradford and students to discuss changing the name of Project Indian.

Events

• Freshmen Experience

• Homecoming Week

• Native History Month

• Veterans Day

Buildings (central and south campuses)

• Inspirational quotes

• Section of famous Native American contributors

• Review Native American items and if there is a meaning (trophy cases, Fit to Be an Indian, etc.)

• Work with a Native American artist to discuss authentic imagery moving forward

• Create a historical timeline of imagery and history behind the imagery used, if applicable

• Display in a prominent area of the building depicting the Native American heritage of the area

• Have a Native American artist walk through the school and review the existing imagery

Community partnerships

• Three Rivers Library

• Channahon

• Minooka

• Native American partners

• Reach out to local tribes/organizations to begin the process of a partnership

• Develop an educational piece to go outside the walls of MCHS on the school’s progress

Athletics/activities

• Tomahawk Chop in student section and band

• Football - headdress as a run-through