Statement on the Use of Racist Mascots

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2025

CONTACT: Jamie Levitt, jamie.levitt@aspeninstitute.org 

Statement by Tracy Canard Goodluck – Executive Director of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute – on the Use of Racist Mascots

WASHINGTON – “The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute strongly opposes the use of all mascots that depict racist stereotypes or perpetuate derogatory terms regarding Native American populations. 

Our youth are medicine. Our people live and thrive beyond any caricature or stereotype. We are teachers, doctors, lawyers and community leaders. We are artists, athletes, innovators and protectors of the earth. We are changemakers, knowledge keepers and spiritual leaders. We are mothers, fathers, aunties, uncles, children and relatives. 

We are not mascots. The use of these maligned representations perpetuates the systemic racism that proliferates in our country. They represent inaccurate depictions of Indigenous communities and promote cultural appropriation. Not only is the use of these mascots disrespectful and disheartening, but it has created social stigmas that pose a danger to the health, safety and overall wellbeing of Native youth. 

Acclaimed researcher Stephanie Fryberg, PhD (Tulalip) has proven the psychological harm caused by racist mascots. She has found that they negatively impact Indigenous youth’s self-esteem, feelings of personal and community worth, and aspirations for achievement. Research conducted by CNAY in 2024 reinforced that culture greatly influences self perception. Native youth who feel culturally educated are four times more likely to see themselves as capable of making a difference.

It is important to remember that Tribes are sovereign nations. Our youth are citizens not only of Tribal nations but of the United States. It is our shared responsibility to ensure Native youth can see themselves in a positive light, capable of anything, and worthy of full and healthy lives. This reality cannot exist alongside racist mascots and we reject the non-Native notion that these representations have any place in our society.”

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About CNAY: The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national organization that works alongside Native youth – ages 24 and under – on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety, and overall well- being. Rooted in culture, our vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve. Learn more: www.cnay.org