Opinion: School logo respectfully pays homage to American Indian history

To the editor:

As a proud member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), I urge Dartmouth to keep the Indian; not only because of the way it looks, but also because of what it represents. Dartmouth, and its surroundings, are rich in American Indian history and culture. We see examples of this throughout our region: Slocum Road, Shawmut Avenue. However, in my opinion, nowhere is the nod to our indigenous predecessors more prominently displayed than the Dartmouth Indian.  

Countless tribal members were born, raised, attended school, and still live in and around Dartmouth. As my mother and her siblings went through Dartmouth’s schools, my grandmother, a tribal elder, would  encourage respect for the symbol. “After all,” she reminded them, “[they were] the Dartmouth Indians that the logo represented.” 

The situation in Dartmouth is distinguishable from the movements we’ve seen in Cleveland, Washington, or other areas of the country. 

To start, the Dartmouth Indian is not a mascot, it is a symbol that represents  strength, respect for community, and pride in our heritage. It employs no derogatory terms or caricatured depictions. Of course, some American Indians disagree. Like every group of people, we have diverse opinions. However, it is worth noting that my uncle, tribal member and Dartmouth High School graduate, designed an iteration of the current logo and our tribal Chairwoman has publicly supported the same. 

This symbol/logo respectfully pays homage to our American Indian history. It has united Dartmouth’s classrooms, playing fields, and communities for decades. 

It should be honored, not cancelled.

Sean Carney,