Spirit Lake, IA (KICD)– Spirit Lake Community Schools has issued a response to a letter received earlier this year from a Native American Tribe in North Dakota asking that the district change its mascot.

Information sent by Spirit Lake Schools to KICD News includes the original letter from the Spirit Lake Tribal Council. It says in part that the tribe objects to the ongoing use of the “Indian” mascot and that it is considered offensive and insensitive.

The letter goes on to say there is no honor in being a mascot and that one way to honor Native Americans is through studying the culture or learning about the language.

A statement from Spirit Lake Community Schools notes this issue was discussed as far back as 2006 when a decision was to be made as to whether or not the Indian head logo would be painted on the floor of a new gymnasium. At that time, public comment was taken with records showing 74 percent of respondents in favor of keeping the mascot with 22 percent coming out against the matter.

The district adds it has prioritized actions that show respect and honor to native American Culture that includes having only one approved logo that does not contain face paint or demeaning references to Native Americans.

School officials say focusing attention on a mascot that has been in use for nearly 120 years would distract from the mission of providing students with a top-quality education. The statement does not spell out when any further discussion will take place on the matter other than saying it will not go before the school board prior to the end of the current academic year.