Indigenous Peoples' Day

Not Your Mascot: The Impact of (Mis)Representation

This year's Indigenous Peoples' Day theme explores the ongoing struggle for Indigenous peoples to be seen, heard, and represented on their own terms. Native American mascots, logos, and stereotypical imagery are not isolated symbols. Instead, they are manifestations of a broader colonial legacy that has long reduced Indigenous peoples to caricatures while obscuring Native sovereignty, humanity, diversity, and the contemporary existence of Tribal Nations (IllumiNative, 2023; National Congress of American Indians [NCAI], 2020).

For decades, Tribal Nations, Native organizations, scholars, students, and community leaders have advocated for the retirement of Native mascots and imagery that perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Yet these representations continue to be defended as symbols of tradition, pride, or honor, often dismissing Indigenous voices and minimizing the documented harms such imagery causes. Research has demonstrated that Native mascots negatively influence the psychological well-being and identity development of Native youth while reinforcing racial stereotypes among Native and non-Native audiences (Fryberg et al., 2008). Native-led advocacy organizations, including the National Indian Health Board (2024), have further identified Native mascots as both a public health and social justice issue because of their harmful effects on Native identity, belonging, and community well-being.

This event is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request, please contact nah@illinois.edu.