By Santee Ross, University of Montana

Where is the line between offensive and playful?

For years national sports teams have used Native American symbols for mascots. This has been the center of debate among native communities for years.

One recent controversy involves the University of North Dakota, whose mascot is the Fighting Sioux and has the two tribes that live within the state torn, according to The Iowa State Daily.

People from the Spirit Lake community say they are fine with the name and logo. I imagine it’s because the mascot brings recognition to the tribe. “Fighting Sioux” lets the public know that there are Sioux tribes in North Dakota.

Although it is good to have recognition it comes at a cost of putting forth a stereotype, one that has become unwanted and offensive to most of the Natives who want to see the name and logo removed, which includes the Standing Rock community.

I agree with the Standing Rock community. I don’t think stereotypes that negatively portrays Natives should be shared with the public.

What about Native sports mascots that are used by Native communities?

Back home on the Wind River Reservation the high school is known as the Wyoming Indian Chiefs (Go Chiefs!). There hasn’t been a name controversy over the Chiefs.

Well, of course, there hasn’t been one. This is different because Natives are using their own symbols to create a mascot and to take ownership of the image.

So does that mean we take offense whenever non-Natives use our symbols?

I think we only take offense when the names or logos are not portrayed in the respectful way they should be.

Florida State endured a controversy similar to the University of North Dakota. However, the end result was entirely different.

The Florida State Seminole’s mascot is Chief Osceola and the Seminole tribe in Florida has granted permission of the mascot according to USA Today. The Seminole tribe felt Florida State was respectful with the imagery and granted their permission.

It seems, UND is now looking to undergo an overhaul of their name and mascot.

I wonder if I can submit an early suggestion.

Santee Ross, Hopi and Lakota, is a freshman at the University of Montana.