New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“I reached out to the Defend Dartmouth Facebook group and was asked to share with you my thoughts on the Dartmouth Indian symbol.
I am a proud Native American of the Quechan and Pawnee tribes. I am writing in support of the Dartmouth Indian symbol. As a Native, I do not feel that the symbol is in any way disrespectful or insensitive. I know what being disrespected is like.
I grew up in a very small town where there was no Native presence. My brother and I were constantly teased and bullied for being ‘different’ all throughout school. We were called savages and asked if we felt lucky to be living in a house instead of a Tee-pee. Kids would put their hands up to their mouths and whoop as they walked past us in the hallways. Sadly this eventually led to my brother leaving the school. I stayed and it was all because of a field trip that the school took to a Reservation. The pride and connection that I instantly felt seeing other Natives was a huge moment in my life. One I will never forget. My father (who is not Indian) always taught us to be proud to be Native Americans but this was different. It made me feel like I belonged to something that was more.
Seeing the Dartmouth symbol makes me feel the same way. It reminds me of that connection. In a way I feel it keeps our history alive. Fortunately, Dartmouth is a very different town from where I grew up. There is a deep connection and respect for local tribes and our collective history here. If we start letting a few radical members of the school committee wipe out Native symbols, then I’m scared we as Native people will be eventually forgotten.” -Jamie Rua, Dartmouth.
