GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks mascot could be on the chopping block in the wake of new legislation banning those depicting or referring to American Indian tribes.
In a Wednesday, Dec. 13, letter to parents, Superintendent Matt Grose said the district was notified it was denied an exemption sought for the Thunderhawk mascot.
Based on the new Minnesota law, schools may seek exemptions for mascot names, but those exemptions must be approved by all 11 tribal nations and the Tribal Nations Education Committee.
The Thunderhawk mascot was first adopted in 1995, replacing the Indian mascot in Grand Rapids. It refers to Chief Thunderhawk, important in Hunkpapa and Lakota history and a companion of Sitting Bull in the 19th century.
"At this time, that cost would need to be borne by the district’s general fund, which is already stressed."Matt Grose, Grand Rapids superintendent
The law states public schools "may not have or adopt a name, symbol, or image that depicts or refers to an American Indian Tribe, individual, custom, or tradition to be used as a mascot, nickname, logo, letterhead, or team name of the school, district, or school within the district, unless the school has obtained an exemption."
Schools and districts within a tribal reservation in Minnesota that have 95% American Indian students will be exempt from this legislation.
The law requires the name changes to occur by September 2025, but Grose told parents much remains unclear about the path ahead. There is no funding allocated by the state to offset the costs associated with replacing mascots on places like signage and uniforms, according to the district.
"At this time, that cost would need to be borne by the district’s general fund, which is already stressed," Grose wrote.
Grose said the district will continue to use the Thunderhawks mascot until there’s more clarity surrounding how to proceed.
-
Plus: Mahnomen Health Center CEO speaks on proposed service change; Hwy 34 construction set to resume; and Cuyuna City Hall may join the National Register of Historic Places.
-
Plus: Man dies in fatal ATV crash; and the new Itasca County Jail opens for tours.
-
KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer provides his weekly assessment of nature in Northern Minnesota. This is the week of April 23, 2024.
-
Three students from the Grand Rapids High School production discussed the show which will be performed April 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. and April 28 at 2 p.m.
-
And: a new bill in the Legislature would prohibit employers from misclassifying workers, the University of Minnesota is working with the White Earth Nation to provide support to families caring for people with dementia, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking more groups to 'Adopt a Highway.'
-
Minnesota Forest to Tap highlights the importance of forest industry and management and systems to protect water resources. Participating breweries in Northern Minnesota are offering free seedlings with purchase of local craft beer from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26.
-
A Beltrami County judge dismissed Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life's claims against a Bemidji man, who canceled checks totaling more than $800,000 after his father's apparent suicide.
-
AirCorps Aviation, founded in 2011, restores vintage airplanes and manufactures unique parts in Erik Hokuf's hometown of Bemidji.
-
Students and listeners from across the state send in their nature reports. Depending on the season, reports may cover wildflowers, animal behaviors, weather patterns and other wonders.
-
Grand Rapids Area Library children's librarian Tracy Kampa reviews and recommends new children's books for "What We're Reading."