1977 Cleveland Indians tries to say that they are named to honor Luis Sockalexis - which is not true

1977 Aug 9, The Courier News 
Ohio College Signs Treaty, 
Retains Its Indian Nickname 
At Miami University in Ohio, known as the Redskins ---
      School officials announced the return of "Chief Miami," a costumed Indian dancer who will perform authentic dances of the Miami Indian tribe at athletic events and become the focal point of school spirit.
      It may sound like a simple announcement, but for Miami officials, it represents a major decision -- and a big risk.
      After all, it was a little Indian dancing that got Miami into big trouble a few years ago.
      Various Miami students who donned the Indian costume became involved in stunts with mascots from other schools -- usually students dressed as animals. What was supposed to be a stoic and powerful Indian turned out to be a character on the warpath chasing a six-foot cartoon-like falcon.
      The anti-Indian movement, led in fact by several Miami professors, hit the school with full force. The Indian dancer disappeared. Although the nickname, "Redskins," was not dropped, it was downplayed.
     But because a tribe of Miami Indians once lived where the school stands today, many Miami officials continued to believe "Redskins" was the most appropriate nickname for the university and wanted the school to be proud of it.
      They didn't believe their nickname and Indian symbol -- if handled properly -- demeaned Indians.
      So, school officials went to the 1500-member tribe of Miami Indians now living in Oklahoma and asked if they thought the school's nickname insulted them.
      The Miami Indians answered that they considered the nickname an "honor" and even drew up a treaty with the school.
      Filled with phrases like "As long as the winds shall blow," the Miami Indians stated, "We of Miami blood are proud to have the name Miami Redskins carried with honor by the athletic representation of Miami University."
      "Redskins" is a revered and honored name that signifies to Miami and to us the qualities of courage, self-discipline, respect, kindness, honesty and love."
      Miami University Athletic Director Richard Shrider carries the treaty with him when teams are on the road and it has come in handy.
      "We've been picketed sometimes by people who think our nickname demeans Indians, but we've got a good answer for them when we whip out the treaty," said school spokesman Dave Young. ...
1977 Feb 11, The Daily Herald 


1977 Nov 22 The Daily Reporter 

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