Memo: Tohatchi Mascot From Cougar To Medicine Men

TO: Tohatchi Students and Community Members

FR: Loyola Rankin, Tohatchi High School Principal

CC: Andrea Claude, Tohatchi High School Secretary

BC: Nicole Yazzie, Assistant Principal

Subject: Tohatchi Mascot Form Cougar To Medicine Men

January 27, 2006

Tohatchi Students and Community Members,

Due to improbable events concerning the Tohatchi Schools mascot, we, the staff members of Tohatchi Schools, feel that students and members of Tohatchi should share their thoughts on the matter. As you may be well aware, the committee members brought the situation to the board members. They felt that the name would be empowering to Native American students.

However, some, my self-included, feel the name is a contradiction to the American Indian Movement (AIM) actions. These same members say that the word “men” might give the school a more sexist edge. They also state that the mascot has been in place for many years; in a way a sense of tradition is intact with the school name. While most feel a change is needed to enliven school sprit, others say that it would be rather difficult to find a cheer to match “Tohatchi Medicine Men.”

Disregarding other’ feelings and thoughts, we, the members of Tohatchi Schools, want the students and community members to decide the fate of Tohatchi’s mascot. We are, after all, one community.

The vote will take place Thursday, August 13, 2010 at Tohatchi Chapter House.

Sincerely,



Loyola Rankin
Tohatchi High School Principal