The Fight to End Harmful Mascots

NCAI The Sentinel

Negative and derogatory images of American Indian and Alaska Native people can be found everywhere–just turn on your TV on any given day to watch a movie, show or sports game, and chances are you will encounter an image, symbol or mascot that depicts Native people in a racist, and stereotypical manner. The media plays a crucial role in shaping people's understanding of the world, and in this episode of The Sentinel, we will examine this critical issue more deeply.

We begin by exploring the history of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) campaign to eliminate derogatory images in the media, education, and sports worlds. Our guests include Lily Joy Winder (Dine), a student and youth advocate whose "People, Not Mascots" grassroots campaign has brought national attention to this issue. We are also joined by Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Band Ojibwe), who will discuss the recent legislative victory in her state mandating the removal of harmful mascots and initiatives promoting respectful portrayals of Native people.

Furthermore, we will highlight the retirement of the "Crying Indian" advertisement, which aired in 1971 and contained stereotypical imagery and cultural appropriation. We will delve into why the ownership of the content was transferred to NCAI Fund, enabling permanent retirement of the ad.