CROCKETT, Calif. (KGO) — John Swett High School, located in the East Bay, is facing scrutiny after changing its mascot from “The Indians” to “The Warriors.” This transition, initiated in February, has not been universally welcomed, stirring discussions about the appropriateness of school mascots and their representation.
Despite dropping “The Indians” mascot name last year, the school’s gymnasium floor still bears the image of an arrow, a symbol viewed as offensive by many Native Americans. Adding to the controversy, some argue that the newly chosen “Warriors” mascot is not a step forward.
Tria Blu Wakpa from Sacred Sites Protection expressed disappointment with the new mascot selection. Sacred Sites Protection and Rights of Indigenous Tribes (https://ssprit.wordpress.com/) advocates that “Warriors,” in the context of sports mascots, often misrepresents indigenous resistance to colonialism. Makha Blu Wakpa, Ph.D., further elaborated on this perspective, highlighting the problematic use of “Warriors” in sports as a depiction of indigenous peoples.
However, Superintendent Rob Stockberger offered a different viewpoint, stating that some board members see “Warriors” as “an opportunity to represent the spirit of the Warrior.” He also noted that the school district has adopted a resolution against violent imagery, ensuring that the new “Warriors” logo will be symbolic and devoid of weapons or insensitive caricatures.
Stockberger clarified that the mascot “It’s not going to include a personification of the Warrior,” emphasizing a shift towards a more symbolic representation.
The debate around Native American mascots in sports is a national conversation. Examples range from the Washington Redskins’ name change to Vallejo High School’s decision to retire “Apaches.” Even the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, prior to their current name, used logos considered by some to be culturally insensitive between the 1940s and 1960s. Sacred Sites Protection has expressed a desire for the NBA champions to also reconsider their name.
While the John Swett School District might revisit the mascot issue in the future, Superintendent Stockberger indicated that the current focus is on education. This suggests that for the time being, John Swett High School will continue forward as the “Warriors,” navigating the ongoing discussion surrounding their new mascot.
