An important discussion is taking place across our country. We in the Four Corners have a chance to be a constructive part of it. It’s about racial justice. We are rightly questioning current versions of history and how we portray whole groups of Americans. We’re all just as American and just as human as one another. Our backgrounds, skin colors, religious and sexual preferences are just what give richness and variety to our American culture. All of us deserve to be treated with respect and consideration, and valued for our unique contributions to this great social experiment that is our society. We need to start showing special respect to our Indigenous citizens, who we owe literally everything to.
I’ve been following the ongoing discussion about the Toh-Atin sign. Not all Native Americans dislike it. The Toh-Atin owners are obviously very attached to it, because they have really dug in their heels on the subject. But I have talked to several Native friends and heard from many more, who find the sign to be very insulting. I have to ask the owners of this giant, outdated, buffoonish cartoon depiction of a Native American, why is it so dear to their hearts? If they truly respect Native people, it seems that even one or two objections from Natives should be enough to remove it from this prominent place. They have stated that it brings in business. Is that the bottom line? That stinks of colonial exploitation.
Please remove the sign.
Mary Kate Lehman
Ignacio
