NASSS Native American Imagery Resolution

Passed October 28, 2005 – Winston-Salem, NC

WHEREAS the continued use of Aboriginal* /Native American** symbols, names, imagery, culture and personas in sport offer up stereotypical, misleading, monolithic, and flat images that demean Aboriginal Peoples/Native Americans;

WHEREAS the continued use of Aboriginal/Native American symbols, names, imagery,culture and personas in sport reflects a history of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination directed against indigenous peoples in North America;

WHEREAS the continued use of Aboriginal/Native American symbols, names, imagery, culture and personas in sport by educational institutions, corporations, and sport franchises allows them to profit from racially exploitative practices;

WHEREAS the continued use of Aboriginal/Native American symbols, names, imagery, culture and personas in sport has been perpetuated by many media outlets through biased coverage, reliance on shoddy research, and general acceptance of widely held but flawed ideas about race;

WHEREAS the continued use of Aboriginal/Native American symbols, names, imagery, culture and personas in sport inhibits teaching and learning about the realities of Aboriginal Peoples/Native Americans for individuals who have had little or no interaction with them;

WHEREAS the continued use of Aboriginal/Native American symbols, names, imagery, culture and personas in sport often transforms stadiums and classrooms into hostile environments for many Aboriginal Peoples/Native Americans and their allies;

WHEREAS the continued use of Aboriginal/Native American symbols, names, imagery, culture and personas in sport negatively impacts self concept and self worth among Aboriginal/Native American youth;

WHEREAS the continued use of Aboriginal/Native American symbols, names, imagery, culture and personas in sport undermines the sovereignty of indigenous nations, including their ability to represent themselves to a broader public;

WHEREAS the continued use of Aboriginal/Native American symbols, names, imagery, culture and personas in sport denigrates Aboriginal/Native American spirituality;

WHEREAS the continued use of Aboriginal/Native American symbols, names, imagery, culture and personas in sport has been condemned by numerous civil rights groups, educational associations, health organization, and the vast majority of Aboriginal/Native American advocacy groups;

AND, WHEREAS NASSS is committed to the communication and application of accurate knowledge about sport and society through teaching, research, and social action;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that NASSS joins the United States Commission on Civil Rights, the American Anthropological Association, the American Psychological Association, the National Congress of American Indians, Native American Journalists Association, National Coalition for Racism in Sport and the Media, and numerous other professional, advocacy, and civil rights organizations to call for the discontinuation of Aboriginal/Native American symbols, names, imagery, culture and personas in sport and upon sports teams and educational institutions to provide meaningful teaching and research about living Aboriginal/Native American Peoples, current Aboriginal/Native American issues, and the rich variety of Aboriginal/Native American cultures in North America.

*”Aboriginal Peoples” is the inclusive term commonly used in Canada to identify First Nations, Metis and Inuit individuals. **”Native Americans” is a term commonly used in the United States to identify individuals of Native heritage. Together, these terms are meant to refer to all individuals who share a heritage as the indigenous peoples (i.e., the first residents) of North America.