Commemorating Native American Heritage Month Through Action for Policy Change

Happy #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth! Also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, November is a time to celebrate the cultures, traditions, histories, contributions and resilience of Native people in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Massachusetts is home to 94,040 Native American people, comprising 1.3 percent of our total population. The Commonwealth also has two federally recognized tribes, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). The Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band is a state recognized tribe.

One important way in which we honor Native history, culture, and the well-being of Native American people is through our work to pass S. 245/H. 477, “An Act Prohibiting the Use of Native American Mascots by Public Schools in the Commonwealth,” which would finally do away with a practice that has long reinforced degrading, misleading, and harmful stereotypes of Native people and tribes. Sponsored by state Sen. Joanne Comerford and state Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley, S. 245/H. 477 is currently awaiting action in the Joint Committee on Education. Passing this bill is one of NASW-MA’s legislative priorities for the 2023-2024 session.

In Massachusetts, roughly 25 schools continue to use Native American mascots, logos, or team names. This practice is harmful to both Native and non-native students. In fact, back in 2005, the American Psychological Association (APA), called for the immediate retirement of all Native American mascots and related symbols, images and personalities by schools, colleges, universities, athletic teams and organizations, pointing to research showing that their use undermined “the educational experiences of members of all communities—especially those who have had little or no contact with indigenous peoples,” and created “an unwelcome and often times hostile learning environment for American Indian students that affirms negative images/stereotypes that are promoted in mainstream society.”

Our advocacy to support passage of “An Act Prohibiting the Use of Native American Mascots by Public Schools in the Commonwealth,” aligns with accepted NASW policy (detailed in Social Work Speaks) to support the development of policies and practice that promote the health and human rights of Indigenous Americans and to support the rights of Native peoples in their efforts to gain health and self-determination.