I first want to state that I sincerely respect and honor each and everyone's
opinion, whether or not it is in agreement with my own. Stating that, of
course I would appreciate the same.
In listening to other Native Net viewers opinions, I have come to see
another side to the issue, and appreciate the knowledge that I have gained
since last October in reading the many, many varied opinion on the use
of Indians and/or symbols in the sportsworld, or any world for that matter.
I must state, though, I still hold the opinion that if we, as American
Indian people, are not respected enough to be given the honor of not using
an insulting label as a team name, how can we ever possibly expect to
accomplish any of our extremely numerous goals?
I know some may say that if we worry about such a "small thing", then how
will we get people to focus on the "really big issues".
Well, to me, this is a "really big issue".
I have discussed this with Norbert Hill at AISES, David Powless at ORTEK
also of the Oneida Nation, Tim Giago, members of the National Indian
Media Association in Washington, D.C. of which I am a member, and they are
in agreement with me. I know there are many others out there who do agree,
but also recognize that there are just as many who do not agree with the
position we/I have taken on this matter.
So, this is my position on the matter. Enough said.
Respectfully,
Deborah Gagnon
Chair
Native American Forum
Digital Equipment Corporation
[Disclaimer: the opinion voiced above does not reflect the opinion of all
American Indian people at Digital, nor does it reflect a corporate statement
from Digital. This is strictly a personal statement.]