Native Mascots, Myths, and Misrepresentation: Battling Indigenous Stereotypes (Native Rights (Alternator Books ®))

Native Mascots, Myths, and Misrepresentation: Battling Indigenous Stereotypes (Native Rights (Alternator Books ®))

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. Efforts to remove negative myths, parodies, and stereotypes are gaining ground. But the work is not over. By learning more about the dangers of misrepresentation, we can move toward a more just, equitable future for everyone. "Readers will explore the advocacy efforts that prompted sports teams to change their names, the protection of sacred lands by the government, and the near halting of an oil pipeline. . . . A well-researched and accessible resource, perfect for any library."― School Library Journal Born and raised in White Earth, Minnesota, Cayla Bellanger DeGroat is an enrolled member of Gaa-waabaabiganikaag, the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. She is a life-long student of Indigenous history and federal Indian policy with a Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies and Master of Tribal Administration and Governance from the University of Minnesota Duluth.