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A Biloxi High School band member in a fake headdress. Photo from Facebook
Jean-Luc Pierite, a member of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, weighs in on a mascot controversy involving a public school in Mississippi:
The headdress worn by the Biloxi High School band is an ill-informed costume-design choice. That said, our communities are faced with such challenges that if a group of outsiders would parade in mockery under the guise of honor, then it wouldn't make much difference. It neither hurts nor helps my Tribe's unemployment rate.
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The Biloxi High School Indians in Mississippi. Photo from Facebook
Nor does it determine the fate of crucial social programs that have gone underfunded since the decline of our so-called "lucrative" enterprise. For the Biloxi-Chitimacha, to my knowledge, your "honor" does not rebuild their homes. Nor does it provide them with the resources to legitimize the claim that they continue as they have for centuries as an indigenous population.
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A band member is seen shooting a "flaming arrow" at a game in 1972. Photo from Facebook
The Biloxi have been silenced enough by outer communities and native allies. Do not mistake a lack of audible objection, however, as approval. Nor should you make the mistake of evaluating credibility based on blood quantum or federal recognition status. Ultimately, it is not our objection that truly matters. It is yours. The onus is on you to educate yourself on my people. Only you can demonstrate a deeper understanding by refusing poor choices. And only you can justify your understanding through your own knowledge.Get the Story:
JEAN-LUC PIERITE: Educate yourself about the people of Tunica-Biloxi (The Gulfport Sun Herald 4/25) Also Today:
Biloxi Indians aren't complaining about band's use of name, headdress (The Gulfport Sun Herald 4/22) Petition asks Biloxi to change Indian mascot (The Gulfport Sun Herald 4/20) Some Opinions:
Deloria Many Grey Horses: I Am Not Your Mascot, Biloxi! (Indian Country Today 4/20)
Joe Rogers: Biloxi "Indians" mascot offensive? Some Native Americans shout 'Yes!' (Gulf LIve 4/25)
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