A recent editorial (July 31, “New Guardians”) stated “Closer to home, the Colorado Legislature this year passed legislation that will for the most part outlaw the use of Native American mascots in public schools and publicly funded universities.”
In line with this move, I would like to offer a possible idea for the replacement of “The Chief,” across the street and owned by the Toh-Atin Gallery on 9th Street.
On June 29 of this year Great Old Broads for the Wilderness hosted an event at Fort Lewis College highlighting a totem pole carved by the House of Tears Carvers of the Lummi Nation of northwest Washington. This was one stop of many on its way to Washington, D.C., and touted as the “Red Road to D.C.“ Carved into the totem were many representations of the suffering of indigenous peoples of many nations.
Perhaps Durango could sponsor through donations, the carving of a totem pole that reflects the indigenous nations of this land and ask the area nations to make suggestions on what it might look like. “The Chief” could then be donated to the National Museum of the American Indian website: https://americanindian.si.edu to be used as an educational piece. This could be a move in the right direction for all of us, and begin the path of healing.
Judy Gerhardt
Durango
