Schools that did not comply could have been fined $25,000 a month for continuing to use a derogatory mascot, although the law did not appear to include a mechanism for collecting the fines. Thursday was the deadline for the second group of schools to comply, and no additional schools have been added. Shortly after Thursday’s special session of the CCIA board - called to consider Sangre de Cristo’s tribal agreement - references to Senate Bill 116 and the list of schools not in compliance with the law disappeared from the CCIA website. Good job to everyone that’s done what they’ve done.” “I’m so happy that Sangre de Cristo was willing to have an open mind and learn the Native American history,” said Alston Turtle, tribal vice chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in southwestern Colorado. (John McEvoy, Special to The Colorado Sun) The controversial school mascot name hangs prominently on the Sangre de Cristo school district building, proudly proclaiming “Home Of The Thunderbirds” as storm clouds gather above Friday June 2, 2023. The district was lauded Thursday by several CCIA commissioners for taking the time to work with the tribe. It is working with an Apache historian and education officials to develop the curriculum, which will be implemented in fall 2024. It has learned about the Apache’s historical presence in the San Luis Valley and is developing a curriculum that will be used in third grade and high school social studies. Its enrollment dropped below 300 pupils in the wake of the pandemic. The district has about 260 students at its one-building campus in Mosca. “It’s gotten bigger than just the mascot.” “The positive thing that’s come out of this, though, is we’ve developed a good relationship with Apache and Jicarilla Apache tribes,” he said. Strasburg schools (Indians) and Arapahoe High School (Warriors) had tribal agreements before the new law was passed and have retained their mascots.Ģ:12 PM MST on 2:23 PM MST on Dec 20, 2023 A few sought to forge partnerships with tribal nations, but only two were successful: the Kiowa and Sangre de Cristo districts. The choice for schools deemed noncompliant with Senate Bill 116 was to eliminate all Native American names and imagery from buildings, websites, uniforms and the like or enter into an agreement with a tribe for permission to use certain names or images. Those notices came as the CCIA wrapped up a year of work on getting mascots such as Indians, Braves and Savages changed at a dozen other schools or districts. Sangre de Cristo and eight other schools were notified in June 2022 that their Thunderbird mascots were inappropriate under a state law adopted in 2021. That decision Thursday by the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs capped two years of work to rid public schools in the state of derogatory Native American mascots. The tiny Sangre de Cristo School District in the San Luis Valley can keep its Thunderbird mascot. Meet Colorado’s Congressional delegation.Become a part of the legend at Ross Sheppard High School.After two years of controversy, San Luis Valley school can keep its Thunderbird mascot after all Close Thunderbird Spirit guides our behavior and motivates us all to achieve excellence. The powerful Thunderbird sits atop the totem pole and challenges us to find our spirit and sense of self. The Thunderbird is a passionate being who welcomes challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Just like the storms he creates, the Thunderbird is active through spring and summer, and uses the fall and winter months to learn and share his wisdom with others. His force is not to be feared but is a reminder of the strength of the natural world. In First Nations' beliefs and customs, the Thunderbird displays his energy and power through the robust nature of prairie storms. The legend of the Thunderbird is a story of strength, wisdom and spirit. It is being a part of something bigger than yourself. Get your Thunderbird Spirit on at Ross Sheppard! Legend of the Thunderbird Thunderbird Spirit is all about doing and being your best every day. You won't be disappointed!ĭiscover your Thunderbird spirit at Ross Sheppard High School. We hope you'll take a look around the website to learn more about our programs and courses, athletics and life at Shep.
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