"High schools with Native American mascots -- ” do the Montrose “Indians” ring a bell? -- will need approval from the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs if state Sen. Suzanne Williams has her way.

Williams, a 20-year teacher, is one-quarter Comanche and is the only Indian in the state Legislature. The Aurora Democrat introduced a bill last week to require 17 schools with Indian mascots to ensure that they do not offend the Native Americans they represent.

Once the tribe or tribes are on board, the commission would grant its approval.

At Montrose High, the groundwork is under way. Principal Jim Barnhill met last week with Roland McCook, a Northern Ute, and C.J. Brafford, an Oglala Sioux who is executive director of the local Ute Indian Museum.

Neither McCook nor Brafford -- or the senator, for that matter -- find the team name “Indians” to be offensive.

But they take issue with any student donning face paint and dancing about at school games."

Get the Story:
Billie Stanton: New bill would require state OK for Indian mascots (The Montrose Press 1/27)

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Opinion: No need to take offense at 'Indian' mascots (1/25)