A public high school band from Michigan is reversing course and won't drop its "Chief" logo and nickname during the inaugural parade for president-elect Barack Obama.

The band from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte planned to cover up its Indian head logo and carry a banner without the "Marching Chiefs" name. But the superintendent changed her mind in response to public outcry.

Leaford Bearskin, the chief of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma, supports the move. The tribe lived in the area before being removed in 1818.

“I consider it an honor to have the logo in the parade,” Bearskin told The Detroit Free Press “I give them my blessing, totally."

Harvey Gunderson, the president of Religious Americans Against Indian Nicknames and Logos, had complained about the logo and nickname and said its use was inappropriate.

Get the Story:
Wyandotte band allowed to be 'Chiefs' at inauguration (The Detroit Free Press 1/9)
Wyandotte band won't be 'Chiefs' at Obama's inauguration (The Detroit Free Press 1/8)