The decision to remove a Native American mascot at Mohawk Trail Regional School caused a big stir earlier this year.
Now school officials have taken the next step — involving the community in finding a more fitting image.
This spring, the School Committee voted after much discussion to remove the large image of a Native American man’s head from its gym wall. Actually, the school has been gradually removing the image elsewhere, such as on players’ uniforms, and replacing it with the letter “M.”
Besides being historically inaccurate — the large painting depicts a Plains Indian wearing a headdress — the image was deemed inappropriate. Simply put, a group of people should not be a school’s mascot.
Many, including alumni, protested, saying the logo created in 1978 was a tribute to Native Americans, especially those with a history to this area. They spoke up at meetings.
In the end, the School Committee was not swayed, although there was some compromise. The school’s name would remain the same although officials have reached out to say references to the school should be “Mohawk Trail,” which is in reference to the name for Route 2 and traveling routes taken by tribes, and not simply “Mohawk.”
The team name, “Warriors,” was also retained.
However, the gym mural and a stone entrance sign would go.
Now the School Committee is getting the community involved in creating a more fitting image. The theme is the Deerfield River, which flows through Buckland, where the school is located.
As stated in the rules, the image must be original artwork, and not contain weaponry or Native American imagery. It must represent Mohawk Trail Regional School and its community in a positive way. The deadline is July 31. For more, check out the school’s Facebook page.
Logo finalists will be chosen by students and those will be up for a community vote in August before it is presented to the School Committee.
In addition, the district is planning to incorporate more Native American instruction in its history and social studies courses.
Mohawk Trail is not the only school to go through this experience.
We believe when the mural was commissioned in 1978, people innocently believed it was indeed a tribute. But 41 years later, attitudes thankfully have changed about what is appropriate for a school mascot and logo.
The approach school officials are taking to involve the community is a positive one. We look forward to seeing what imagery the Deerfield River will inspire.
It’s that time of year when we can buy vegetables and fruit directly from the people who grow them. Food can’t get any fresher than that unless one has a backyard garden or is a farmer.
Consider the challenges of large-scale farming, a vocation so dependent on the weather and other conditions.
An easy way to show support is at the farmers markets. Franklin County has nine — from Ashfield to Wendell. Many farms have stands on their properties. Then there is the opportunity to pick your own — blueberry season has begun.
We say support your local farmer.