Cultural Awareness and Native American Issues

Dakota Brown, a 15-year-old California Miwok, shares her experiences and struggles with Native American mascots. She highlights the cultural insensitivity and negative impact these mascots have on Native identity and pride. Dakota calls for change, urging the U.S. Department of Education to stop the use of race-based mascots in schools. She shares personal stories of the consequences faced by Native students and concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the need for change to protect Native youth and their cultural identity.

What organization is Dakota Brown associated with as a champion for change?

• Native American Rights Fund

• Center for Native American Youth

• National Congress of American Indians

• American Indian College Fund

What is one of the offensive routines performed by the rival school during games?

• A War Bonnet clad drummer performing stereotypical drum beats

• A traditional Native American dance performance

• A speech by a Native American elder

• A respectful moment of silence for Native American heritage

What phrase did Dakota hear from her friends that was particularly offensive?

• Celebrate Native American culture

• Send them on the Trail of Tears

• Respect the indigenous traditions

• Honor the Native warriors

What did Dakota's cousin do to fit in at Calav High School?

• Became the school mascot

• Refused to participate in school activities

• Started a Native American club

• Organized cultural awareness events

What is the main message Dakota wants to convey in her conclusion?

• The importance of maintaining school traditions

• The significance of cultural diversity in schools

• The value of sports in education

• The need for change in the use of Native American mascots