The complex and often fraught relationship between state governments and indigenous populations is a recurring theme across the United States. In Oklahoma, a state with a significant Native American presence and a history deeply intertwined with tribal nations, this relationship has been the subject of ongoing debate and activism. Several years ago, a group known as Oklahoma Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry (OKEONM) brought this issue to the forefront, delivering a petition containing 8,000 signatures to the office of then-Governor Mary Fallin. This action highlighted the organization’s concerns regarding the state’s relationship with its indigenous people and specifically addressed the prevalence of what they considered offensive Native American mascots in schools and other institutions. The effort, while seemingly a singular event, represents a larger, ongoing struggle for respect, recognition, and the rectification of historical injustices faced by Native American communities within Oklahoma.
The petition itself, delivered on a Monday, represented a culmination of grassroots organizing and advocacy. Oklahoma Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry had mobilized a significant number of supporters, gathering signatures from individuals who believed that the state government needed to actively work towards repairing its relationship with the various tribal nations residing within its borders. The core argument presented by OKEONM was that the state’s policies and practices had, over time, strained this relationship, leading to a sense of alienation and marginalization among the indigenous population. The specifics of these strained relationships, while not explicitly detailed in the initial reports, likely encompassed a range of issues, including land rights, resource management, cultural preservation, and the overall treatment of Native American communities within the state’s legal and social frameworks.
At the heart of OKEONM’s activism was the issue of Native American mascots. The use of Native American imagery, names, and symbols as mascots for schools, sports teams, and other organizations has long been a contentious subject. Proponents of these mascots often argue that they are intended to honor Native American culture and traditions, serving as a source of pride and recognition. However, critics, including OKEONM, contend that these mascots often perpetuate harmful stereotypes, reduce complex and diverse cultures to caricatures, and contribute to the erasure of authentic Native American identities.
The use of such mascots can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation, where elements of a marginalized culture are adopted and often distorted by a dominant culture for its own purposes. This can be particularly damaging when the dominant culture has historically been responsible for the oppression and displacement of the marginalized culture. In the context of Oklahoma, where the history of interactions between the state government and tribal nations is marked by instances of broken treaties, forced removals, and cultural suppression, the use of Native American mascots can be viewed as a continuation of this harmful legacy. The caricatured representations often used in these mascots can reinforce negative stereotypes, contributing to prejudice and discrimination against Native American individuals and communities.
The petition delivered by Oklahoma Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry not only called for the removal of offensive mascots but also for a broader effort to repair the relationship between the state government and its indigenous people. This included advocating for policies that would promote tribal sovereignty, protect Native American cultural resources, and ensure that Native American communities have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. By addressing the issue of mascots, OKEONM aimed to spark a wider conversation about the ways in which Native American cultures are represented and treated within the state.
In conjunction with the delivery of the petition, OKEONM organized a rally at the state Capitol, bringing together Native American parents, students, and other supporters to voice their concerns and demand action from the state government. The rally served as a visual demonstration of the widespread support for OKEONM’s goals and underscored the importance of addressing the issues raised in the petition. The act of physically delivering the 8,000 signatures to the Governor’s office was a symbolic gesture, representing the collective will of those who believed that change was needed.
The response from Governor Fallin’s office, as reported at the time, was measured. While acknowledging the importance of the relationship between the state government and tribal governments, a spokesman for the governor stated that Fallin "values the good relationships her administration has cultivated with them." However, the group’s request for a meeting with the governor was met with a response indicating that she would not be available for several months. This delay, while perhaps due to scheduling constraints, could have been interpreted by OKEONM and its supporters as a sign that the governor was not prioritizing their concerns. The perceived lack of urgency in addressing the issues raised in the petition could have further strained the relationship between the state government and Native American communities.
The impact of Oklahoma Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry’s efforts is difficult to quantify definitively. While the immediate response from the governor’s office may not have been as forthcoming as the group had hoped, the petition and rally undoubtedly raised awareness of the issues surrounding Native American mascots and the broader relationship between the state government and tribal nations. The media coverage generated by these events helped to bring these issues to a wider audience, prompting discussion and debate about the appropriateness of Native American mascots and the need for greater respect for Native American cultures.
The struggle to eradicate offensive Native American mascots is an ongoing process, not just in Oklahoma but across the United States. Many schools and organizations have, in recent years, made the decision to retire their Native American mascots, often in response to pressure from Native American activists and organizations. These decisions reflect a growing recognition of the harm that these mascots can cause and a desire to create more inclusive and respectful environments.
The work of Oklahoma Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry serves as a reminder of the importance of grassroots activism and the power of collective action in bringing about social change. By organizing, mobilizing, and advocating for their rights, Native American communities can challenge harmful stereotypes, demand respect for their cultures, and work towards a more just and equitable future. The delivery of the 8,000 petition signatures to Governor Fallin’s office was a significant moment in this ongoing struggle, highlighting the need for continued dialogue and collaboration between the state government and tribal nations to address the complex challenges facing Native American communities in Oklahoma. The efforts of groups like OKEONM continue to shape the landscape of Native American rights and cultural representation, pushing for a more accurate and respectful portrayal of indigenous cultures.