Quinnipiac College, Mascots, and ACQTC
Iron Thunderhorse, March 2007
For several years (2001-2004) I wrote a special series (100) of columns for the Branford Review newspaper on Quinnipiac tribal history, language, lore and religion under Branford Review Editor Jimmy Zanor. In his Editorial introduction to my columns he kind of put me on the spot by asking… “We’re going to have to ask him what he thinks about Quinnipiac University’s recent decision to drop the nickname, Braves, for something that undoubtedly will be more ‘politically correct’.” So, I was obligated to respond to my Editor who put the issue in the public eye.
I responded with a column entitled “Cultural Cliches and the Quinnipiac College Mascot” (Branford Review, March 2, 2002) which outlined my long-standing advocacy against any stereotypical images. In a special issue of Turtle Quarterly, (Fall/Winter 1994), for example, my feature article “Pride, Protest and Prejudice In The Arts” appeared where I focused on Hollywood movie stereotypes, cartoons and media and arts images. I also talked about how our elders, children and others felt about such team nicknames as ‘Redskins’, ‘Indians’ and ‘Braves’.
Then, on July 12, 2003 another column of mine appeared in Branford Review entitled… “More about mascots and tribal names”. In this column I explained to readers how a special image committee had been formed at SUNY-New Paltz in order to select names for two new residence halls at the university. They wanted names that would honor the local Renapi/Lenape ancestors so they set out to do a web-search of cultural backgrounds. Then they visited with elders of The Association of Native Americans in Tillson, NY and ACQTC Inc.
After much discussion the names ‘Lenape’ and ‘Esopus’ were chosen for the two halls, and everyone celebrated. In Florida, the Florida State Seminoles start each game with a Seminole Chief riding a horse leading the charge and it is backed by the Seminole Nation.
On December 3rd, 2001 Quinnipiac University Board of Trustees voted to discontinue use of ‘The Braves’ nickname and along with that went the image of an Indian face. This announcement was the result of a semester of discussions by the Faculty Senate, Student Government Association, President’s Cabinet and the Alumni Board of Governors, each of which voted separately to stop using the ‘Braves’ logo and name.
Quinnipiac University V.P. of Public Affairs, Lynn Bushnell said: “Although fond of the tradition we’ve had for 50 years, the university community clearly recognized the difficulties of using a name that has the potential to misrepresent and denigrate an entire group of people and, despite our clear intention to honor and remember the Native Americans once known as the Quinnipiaks [sic], to do so only through athletics was found to be no longer appropriate.”
Quinnipiac College website also correctly notes that the “use of American Indian mascots gives the public a stereotypical and historically incorrect perception of American Indians…Other experts say Indian mascots have several negative effects on children, including lowering the self-esteem of Indian children, perpetuating racism among non-Indian children and setting up hostile environments. Other studies show that American Indian mascots can be considered sacriligious and contrary to an institution’s anti-discrimination policies.”
In my opinion as Grand Sachem of the Quinnipiac, these publicly disclosed statements have elevated Quinnipiac University to stand head and shoulders above all others. This was done on their own initiative and it took courage, bravery and showed both respect and sensitivity. We salute the students and faculty alike.
The name and logo of the ‘Braves’ had far-reaching problems for Quinnipiac University as the women complained how they were offended by being alluded to as the “Lady Braves” and so the decision was made to talk about what changes needed to be made. Jack McDonald, Director of Athletics at QU said the image had made the teams unable to capture and promote the spirit needed to succeed.
Quinnipiac University selected a new name and image…and the QUINNIPIAC BOBCATS were born. ACQTC applauds this change. I will share my own thoughts with the athletes and alumni on this change.
A Bobcat is a small lynx-like feline with a bobbed tail. They are fast, agile, stealthy and they epitomize the spiritual energy of our domains. The general nickname for a bobcat is ‘ghost walkers’ because they are observed only during dawn or dusk in the twilight hours when day and night merge and this is the time when spirits roamed the ‘Long-Water-Land’.
In our language the name bobcat is Pessow (plural is Pessowag). So, in support of team spirit we give our official recognition, well-wishes, approval to the Quinnipiac Bobcats Athletic Teams. I am providing a selection of cheers and slogans with translations of the Quiripi R-Dialect. These names have the power of the land under your feet, so we hope they bring good luck.
| Go Bobcats!
| Aug Pessowag!
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| Home Of The Bobcats
| Wejammuk Wutche Wah Pessowag
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| Bobcats Rule
| Pessowag Pakkadtawau
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| QUINNIPIAC is Bobcat’s Homeland
| Quirripokke Pessowag Wejammokke
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| Bobcats Live Here!
| Pessowaq Kejamous Youh!
|
