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SKOWHEGAN, Maine (AP) — Ten people representing four Maine Indian tribes have met with a Skowhegan school panel to urge its members to drop Indians as the local high school's mascot.
Members of the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac tribes went before the education policy program committee Monday night to say that using Indian nicknames and images belittles and stereotypes Native Americans.
Skowhegan Area High School is one of the last schools in Maine that still uses an Indian-themed nickname.
The Morning Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1yqdQR1 ) reports that about 40 people rallied outside the meeting in support of the name.
The board did not make a decision, but Chairwoman Noella DesPres thanked the tribal members for a powerful presentation, and other board members said they hoped it would foster a constructive and respectful resolution.
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Information from: Morning Sentinel, http://www.onlinesentinel.com/
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