House OKs bill on Native American names, images

Legislation to ban public schools in Washington from using Native American-themed mascots, logos or team names passed in the state House of Representatives in a 92-5 vote during a virtual floor debate Wednesday.

Under House Bill 1356, the prohibition would not apply to public schools located within “Indian country” and schools that consulted with the respective tribe in the district through an appropriate enactment or resolution.

Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-Bow, is HB 1356’s primary sponsor. Lekanoff is a member of the Tlingit tribe and is the only Native American serving in the state legislature.

Lekanoff said during the virtual floor debate HB 1356 is one of the ways non-indigenous people can respect and honor the first Washingtonians.

“We are not animals. We’re not those who you make a mockery of,” Lekanoff said. “We are not those who are treated without dignity.”

Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, voted in favor HB 1356. Dent said during the virtual floor debate many schools use Native American team names with the intention of honoring them.

One example is the Moses Lake School District, Dent said, which was named after Chief Moses — a real figure and man of integrity and honor. The school’s teams are commonly referred to as the Moses Lake Chiefs.

“This is a hard bill to think about,” Dent said.

Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, D-Seattle, said during the virtual floor debate there is an issue about wanting to honor a group without consulting with them beforehand. HB 1356 would ensure school districts are properly honoring Native American tribes.

“(Schools) must engage in conversation,” Tomiko Santos said. “They must understand the native ways and the importance that is put upon certain symbols and how that becomes an article … of great meaning.”

Rep. Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, voted in favor of HB 1356. However, Ybarra said during the virtual floor debate some schools may face financial issues with changing their school mascot, logo or team name.

“Some (schools) just don’t have the money at the time,” Ybarra said.

Rep. Robert Sutherland, R-Snohomish County, said during the virtual legislative debate he does not recall a time a school inappropriately used a Native American mascot, logo or team name.

“We have a bill that wishes to prevent something that, I don’t see, is happening,” Sutherland said. “That’s just my opinion.”

During the afternoon session, representatives also approved HB 1009 (in a 57-40 vote), HB 1469 (95-2), HB 1478 (57-40), HB 1206 (67-30), HB 1251 (96-1), HB 1193 (97-0), HB 1336 (60-37), HB 1323 (56-41) and HB 1218 (95-2). The bills will move to Senate committees.