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A tribal nation in north-central Minnesota is lending its support to two school districts seeking an exemption to the state ban on American Indian mascots.
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe tribal elected officials unanimously approved exemption requests from Grand Rapids Area Schools and Deer River Schools to keep their mascots at a regularly scheduled meeting on July 16, according to a press release from the Grand Rapids school district.
The requests to Leech Lake from both districts came after state lawmakers passed an amendment to the existing mascot ban that allows districts to seek support from the nearest tribal nation. For public schools to keep their mascots, the previous version of the law required support from all 11 tribal nations in the state.
Leech Lake’s decision to support Grand Rapids’ request comes after the district applied for an exemption last year and was denied.
Matt Grose, superintendent of Grand Rapids Area Schools, had said the district would reapply under the new law, seeking to retain its Thunderhawks logo and mascot.
“We're grateful for the Leech Lake Band’s leadership and their willingness to engage in a respectful, community-based process,” said Grose. “This decision reflects the kind of partnership that honors both local control and tribal sovereignty.”
In a report filed with the state Legislature in February, Grose estimated the costs of removing the current mascot and choosing another at approximately $800,000. Those costs included renovations to gymnasium floors and school grounds, and the purchase of new school uniforms.
In keeping with the new law, both Grand Rapids and Deer River identified Leech Lake as a tribal partner as portions of the reservation are located within each district’s boundaries.
“This decision reflects the value of collaboration and honors the intent of the law, which rightly recognizes tribal sovereignty and the importance of local relationships,” said Faron Jackson Sr., chairman of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
“We appreciate that both districts have engaged with us in good faith and shown a real commitment to supporting American Indian students and honoring our culture,” read the statement from Grand Rapids Area Schools.
Jackson confirmed to MPR News he supported the band’s decision to support both district’s requests.
“It’s all about working together,” Jackson added.
Parent committees representing both districts expressed their support for keeping the mascots, according to the press release. The new state law also requires school districts seeking an exemption to gather a letter from their district’s American Indian Parent Advisory Committee, if the district has a committee.
Students from Leech Lake also represent the largest American Indian student population in both districts, according to the press release.
Leech Lake also approved Deer River Schools request to retain their Warriors mascot and logo. Pat Rendle, superintendent of Deer River Schools, said the district values its relationship with Leech Lake.
“We appreciate the Band’s thoughtful consideration and their continued support for our students and families,” Rendle’s statement said.
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