Native Mascots, Myths and Misrepresentation: Battling Indigenous Stereotypes

Representation takes many forms, from who is elected or appointed to positions in government to the characters and images used in movies, books, and sport teams. However, not all representation is the same: negative stereotypes and language affect how we view and treat one another, and inaccurate portrayals of Native cultures are extremely hurtful. In North America, there is a long history of unfair representation of Native Americans, including harmful mascots, racist place names, and incorrect media depictions. By learning more about the dangers of misrepresentation, we can move toward a more just, equitable future for everyone.