Eastern Michigan band revives controversial Native American Huron logo
Twenty years ago, Eastern Michigan University changed its mascot from the Hurons to the Eagles after the Michigan Civil Rights Commission recommended all schools avoid the use of Native American mascots.
The Eastern Michigan band will wear uniforms with the former Hurons mascot emblazoned on them this year.
An effort to heal that wound will be made on Saturday at the football team's home opener against Illinois State at Rynearson Stadium. As reported by the Detroit News, the Eastern Michigan marching band will wear uniforms with the old Huron logo emblazoned on them.
The uniforms will also include the school's original "Normalite" logo from its days as the Michigan State Normal College.
According to the report, it will be the first sanctioned use of the Huron logo since 1991.
"We have many, many Hurons who are still Hurons in their heart to this day. And, of course, we have been the Eagles for 20 years," Eastern president Susan Martin told the Detroit News. "It's showing respect to the past but embracing the fact that we are all together under the block E and love Eastern."
Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
Eunice Davidson
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
As a full blood Native American of the Sioux Nation I can only say it's about time someone found the guts to challenge the political correct. Here in North Dakota we Sioux have been fighting for 5 years to keep our honorable name and likeness at UND. Our biggest advisory is non-Natives telling us how we are suppose to feel. We have gone through the courts "District, ND Supreme Court, Federal District and now the 8th, Circuit Court of Appeals" and all so far tell us Indians to shut up. It is clear our name as well as the Huron bring a better understanding of the two cultures and I guess that is what the political correct are afraid of. They want to eliminates us. Go Huron s!
Ralph
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.
Saw the new uniforms today. Not a wiff of the Huron, Eagle, or Michigan Normal. Just a big white E on the chest of the jacket.
Steve Krause
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:22 p.m.
I posted this as a reply to another post, but I am honestly curious to those who were here back in the early 90s when EMU went to the Eagles (before my time): was there any consideration to keeping the name "Hurons" but changing the logo so that it was more than just the American Indian tribe "The Hurons?" Because as far as I can tell nowadays, a "the Hurons" could refer to the tribe, to a lake, a county, a street, and lots of other things in this area that called "Huron." Why not leave the mascot and even reference a little more open-ended and have it be something generally associated with Southeast Michigan? To me, the logo is offensive (and just sort of ugly) because it's a stereotypical Indian brave with feathers and all, so I could see the reasoning behind getting rid of that. But given all the other things named Huron around here, I don't quite get it. And of course, what EMU really should be is the Emus, but that's a whole different story.
Alan Goldsmith
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
Eagerly awaiting the Detroit News to follow up on this story and figure out why the "Huron" revival after the recent 'issues' between the Eastern Michigan University President and her cocktail fueled discussion with the pro-Huron financial contributor and press coverage in the Detroit Free Press (and rebuke from the Board of Trustees). I'm sure this change of heart was just a coincidence and looking forward to Detroit Media to look into it for us.
discgolfgeek
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 12:50 p.m.
I started as a Huron and graduated as an Eagle -- once a Huron, always a Huron and I still have my shirt that says that. I have Iroquois blood in me and have no issue with respectful use of tribal names. There are many Eagles teams, there was only 1 Huron team.
Ron Miller
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 11:03 a.m.
They will always be the Hurons to me. Absolutley no disrespect to the native Americans. It is an honor especially to the Huron Nation.
Robert Coon
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 9:03 a.m.
Before I continue, where is the proof of a Huron mascot? Name/nickname and logo are the focus here. The logo shown on this page is not the one on the band uniforms, it is actually the Huron Restoration logo. The Huron Restoration logo has an interesting history in itself. Now back to my reply. There is a dilemma ever since the name change. If you choose the Eagle, you choose a rash and hostile name change. You also implicitly approve of making it acceptable to eliminate the mention of a minority so long as it isn't anyone like yourself. You probably find there's no more discrimination and bigotry at your pristine EMU. The previous sentence was sarcasm. On the plus side, you like the Swoop mascot. Heck, you may have even expanded your horizons in ways only you could share. If you choose the Huron, you probably have more respect for the Alumni base and your buddies than you do for the Wyandot nation. You probably did the tomahawk chop and old cheers, the very ones that prompted the name change in the first place. You probably have a thing for tradition, a decades-old and empty counter-argument considering that the powers-that-be of the 1990s didn't care for tradition anyway. On the plus side, you bring the Huron back into relevancy as a conversation piece which may inspire improved relations with the people you wish to represent. You might even like Swoop as well. Taking sides in the Huron-Eagle debate is essentially a no-win situation. You know what I think? I think the debate is ultimately about Character versus Names versus Image. And Character is losing no matter who wins.
brian
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:57 a.m.
Go Hurons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CobraII
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:57 a.m.
Once a Huron, always a Huron. Class of '86
Doug
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
Right on! Once a Huron, always a Huron. Class of '61
Huron74
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:32 a.m.
I'd always hoped this day would come.
dextergirl
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.
I am an alum of EMU and it is about time that we went back to being the Hurons! I was never asked if I wanted to be an Eagle, so maybe now I will make a donation to EMU. Hurons, Hurons, hats off to you!!
braggslaw
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:29 a.m.
Liberal dogma always leads to poor results. When the leaders of a group of people give the thumbs up for representation but then are silenced because a liberal intellectual thinks they are wrong ..... you end up where we are. I am waiting for Greeks to protest the Spartans.... For Turks to protes the Trojans.... For Irish to go after Notre Dame... For Russians to object to the use of Tartars... etc. etc. Treat people with respect and they will appreciates..
John of Saline
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
"Tartars" was replaced at Wayne State because no not enough people knew what it meant.
YpsiGirl4Ever
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:28 a.m.
Return the EMU Huron and YHS Brave back to their rightful place!
OldHuron
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:19 p.m.
I graduated in 1991 and also remember numerous reports that the Huron tribe had no issue with the logo and in fact wanted to keep the logo. I loved being an EMU Huron and when the phone rang for donations or to join the alumni association I told them I was a Huron, not an Eagle. Who the hell wants to share their school mascot with Boston College?
Adam Collins
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.
For the record, you can't even see the logo on the uniform while it's worn properly. The image on the Detroit News article is taken at a moment when the two students are putting the uniform on, the rest of the jacket folds over both the Huron logo, and the Michigan Normal logo. On the Eastern Michigan University Bands' Facebook page, you can see the uniform being worn in full. It's worn underneath to quietly honor the past.
pseudo
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 10:45 p.m.
As an EMU Alumnus from the era of the Hurons, I am proud to be someone who was required to learn about the Huron culture and history (Wyandotte's too) and know who they were in an honest way outside of some fake commercial pow pow that sort of represents them now. Proud of my alma mater today! Its about darn time!
AlwaysLate
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
Hurray for EMU Band!!! Once a Huron, always a Huron! The Hurons/Wyandottes themselves never wanted the change in the first place. They begged the school not to change the mascot. It was a bunch of overly "PC", overly sensitive, overly guilt ridden white people who forced the change. Go Hurons!
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9 p.m.
It was a questionable decision from the beginning. The Central Michigan Chippewas never changed and I think that the Chippewa nation must kind of like the promotion of their name. So Chips, or Hurons or whatever, let's keep reminding folks who was here first.
sellers
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
The Chip tribe agreed and petitioned the NCAA when they were banned from bowl games and post season play - and have the NCAA reverse the decision.
Detached Observer
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.
Imagine an alternate universe with no Native American sports mascots, but plenty of white people mascots - Spartans, Pirates, Patriots, Vikings, Trojans, Pioneers, Highlanders, etc. What would the PC police have to say about that? Of course, the PC police would be outraged. They would argue that the exclusion of any nonwhite group was racist, just like the exclusion of minorities from the first few decades of film and TV. They would organize demonstrations and scream about "diversity" and "inclusiveness." I think the Huron mascot is fine as long as it's done respectfully (please don't have some guy in war paint running around the field acting like an idiot). I think any tribe should have veto power over the use of their name, but if they approve it, a bunch of sanctimonious white people have no business telling them they're wrong. I have no problem with the cartoonish Cleveland Indians logo either. Are only white people allowed to be cartoons? Would Elmer Fudd have been offensive if he were black? By the way, it's a myth that all "Native Americans" hate being called "Indians." Many times I've heard them use the word in reference to themselves - and then there's the guy with the "Official Indian Truck" bumper sticker. Actually, some object to being called "American," because they see the United States of America as a foreign power. Thank you for your attention. Obama '12!
Jack
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 4:09 a.m.
Your comments on the PC police are just perfect! You are correct; they would be outraged. Some people look for reasons to be unhappy.
oldblueypsi
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
With tongue not so firmly implanted in cheek, may I humbly suggest: 1. The Huron name be reinstated immediately. 2. The real property which encompasses the athletic facilities, convocation center and any other adjoining vacant land be ceded to the Huron tribe, thus becoming a reservation subject to tribal law. 3. Provide that, subject to tribal law and traditions, no impediments shall be placed to prevent the establishment of a casino on that tribal land. The property transfer shall include provisions that contributions in lieu of taxes (for the profit producing real estate and structures) shall be paid to the appropriate governmental taxing authorities, and that a percentage of profits be paid to the Athletic Department of EMU. Think of the financial benefits to the City of Ypsilanti, and Washtenaw County. Payments on the Flood Plain Fiasco (aka Water Street development) could be covered "with "no taxpayer dollars", among others. The athletic program at EMU would no longer rely almost entirely on general fund financial support, leaving in that fund available monies for tuition reduction and control, etc. In fact, a successful enterprise could generate sufficient funds to fully support the athletic program. With input directly from the native Americans involved, the brand could be marketed appropriately, the blue hair alums would be pacified, and the confusion between eagles and pigeons (in and about the Water Tower) eliminated.
Doug
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
oldblueypsi, Thanks for the lighter side!
Jim H
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
EMU should not only use the Huron logo (no mascots), but should have a Huron cultural area and a required course in the history of native cultures in Michigan. The state and local area are rich in culture and history which has been neglected.
Kevin
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:30 p.m.
Ooo, ooo, like the UofM course that actual class participants complained was being overrun by football players who made a mockery of it!! Yes, I'd vote for that. More football, less school. More mockery, less respect. More closed mindedness less of anything that isn't already in my brain! Wohoo, life is grand.
Rimshot
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
All you EMU alum who refuse to donate to your University because of a logo - a marketing fiction - need to grow up and re-examine your priorities. I suspect you're too cheap to support your alma mater no matter what, and you're just using the mascot change as a handy excuse. Your ridiculous posturing will no effect on the administration, and only hurts the current students, who need your support.
sellers
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
I think it's the principle of the story of how it all changed, versus the actual change. That appears to be the true contraversy. The change is just the medium for seeing how things happen sometimes when you have an administration of secrecy and fear. (btw, many state institutions have such leadership - and they are limited in their success as a result) It's why professors lend a vote of no-confidence. Sadly, this happens in the private sector too - just goes less noticed until you have an Enron or Tyco.
jgold47
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9:12 p.m.
well, here is how I look at it. I supported my school by paying my tuition to attend. Once I graduated, I get to decide how and I why I chose to spend the money I make. If I don't like the things that my school has done, I wont support them plain and simple. I found the whole mascot changing thing outlandish, the manner in which it took place distasteful, and therefor refuse to donate back to them 1 cent until that gets changed. Last I checked that was my right. The other stuff, the murder, the presidents house, the terrible presidents they keep hiring, and and what I will refer to as the somewhat unwarranted persecution of the greek system on campus are all other reasons I wont donate. However, that stuff took place after I graduated. What was in my wheelhouse was this (although I attended in the later part of the decade after the change occurred), and that's what I chose to base this on. Anyone who attended EMU in the 90's likely could sense the lack of identity the school had at that time and front and center was the issue of the overwhelming rejection of the Eagle identity, especially when you consider that EMU's core student population likely came from Michigan and SE Michigan in general, and were already aware of the school as the Hurons. it also boggles my mind that people think that mascots dont matter. EMU's terrible athletics aside, I feel I got gyped out of that aspect of my college experience, especially when contrasted with the experiences of my friends at other schools. Even the most sport hating academics at the U of M associate with the M, the Wolverine and Go Blue as a point of pride. Not so for us EMU grads... So its my opinion that restoring the Huron logo and identity back to the university will go a long way towards bringing back disenfranchised alums, and re-instill a sense of identity and pride that EMU desperately needs.
nekm1
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
How about instead of a bunch of screaming non native Americans arguing about what is right and wrong, maybe we should ask members of the Huron tribe? My guess is that they would find it inspiring...with the proud look of a tribal member. That is what happenened with the Sioux tribe in North Dakota.
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
And the Chippewas of Central Michigan haven't changed their team name or logo. And they're right on the edge of the Chippewa reservation.
Polecat
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
Everytime EMU calls for a donation, I tell them they will get no money until they restore the Huron name. Many other alums have done that as well and they are losing out on a large amount of money. CMU, FLorida State, etc. all have done it repsectfully and it can be done at EMU. Go Hurons!!
Doug
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
I responded the same way until my daughter went to EMU.
kraiford12
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.
I'm a Native American... and I approve this logo Not my tribe, but I'm not sure how a non-descriptive "native" image only applies to one band/tribe aside form the name. As long as it's not offensively driven.
caledonia
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
I used to think all Native American mascots should be replaced. Now it seems a bit paternalistic for "us" to decide for "them" ... perhaps, going forward, the tribes should have the right to decide for themselves whether to *license* the use of their names.
Ron Granger
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 6:35 p.m.
Did the Huron tribe vote to license the use of their brand by the University?
Ypsi Eastsider
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 6 p.m.
Dear Woman in Ypsilanti, It wasn't the cover-up of a students murder by the President that made you be ashamed of having attended EMU. It wasn't the $7 million spent on the Presidents House and the lying by a different President when he said no student money was spent on the Presidents House when they did. You weren't ashamed over he multi-million dollar no bid contracts with friends of regents nor were you ashamed when family members of wealthy regents got athletic scholarships. None of those things made you feel ashamed to be an Alumnus of EMU, but the throwback band uniforms, now you are ashamed for having attended EMU.
Doug
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
John of Saline, Those are not assumptions, they are facts. Do a little research!
John of Saline
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
Sounds like you made a lot of assumptions to set up your strawman there.
Lovaduck
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:48 p.m.
I live here now in the Southwest. When I told the director of an American Indian museum (a very prominent one, and he a very educated person---by the way, he said that the whole flap over the term "Indian" was silly) of EMU's decision, he and several Native people standing around said that if there was no degradation or vulgar stereotyping involved, they'd be HONORED to have a team called the "Hurons". Just another perspective from one who USED to approve of the change. It's done more harm than good; and I think EMU is making a step in the right direction.
Rimshot
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
x
1959Viking
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:40 p.m.
The Huron tribe didn't find the name offensive. That should have been the end of the controversy. Just like it ended in Tallahassee when the Seminole nation said they had no objection to FSU staying the Seminoles. The team that should consider a change is the Washington Redskins. What tribe are they honoring?
Kevin Kennedy
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:12 p.m.
Read the DetNews story folks... especially this part: "Our stance has always been we didn't see it as anything but an honor to the Hurons and Wyandottes," said Billy Friend, chief of the Oklahoma-based Wyandotte Nation, the only federally recognized band that was once in Michigan and known as Hurons. "We never saw it as demeaning." That's good enough for me. For those with short-term memories, the Huron tribe never wanted the change, and even came to Ypsilanti to ask EMU to keep Hurons as the nickname.
kmgeb2000
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:48 p.m.
Any other tribe or groups comments should be irrelavant.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.
Great. Now I have to be ashamed to be an EMU alumna.
Nunya
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
I'm offended by your offence
kmgeb2000
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
Why?
Honest Abe
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:46 p.m.
Once a Huron, always a Huron. EMU should consider bringing the name and logo back. It is so ridiculous they stopped using it to start with. Just like Ypsilanti High should still be the "Braves". It is not offensive, and if the tribes or natives complain, then yes, maybe we should listen, but they are not. Most, if not all encourage it. It is not disrespectful at all in my opinion. What about other, bigger teams? Ie; Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Braves, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Indians AKa; The tribe??? Bring back the HURONS!!!!!!!
John of Saline
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:36 p.m.
EMU really missed an opportunity with the renaming (which they shouldn't have done in the first place). "Eagles" is boring. Why not the EMU Emus? Emus are goofy-looking, yet deceptively tough flightless birds. The field mascot would have been great.
kmgeb2000
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
Actually you are not far off from reality. I attended EMU as a Huron and the mascot on the field during football games was what we called a "DUCK" or more accurately a distorted Emu constume - yes the bird. Which is why we screamed "kill th duck". I would add, it was not great but PATHETIC.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:36 p.m.
I want Notre Dame to get rid of the drunken green leprechaun. Why is this stereotyping of MY PEOPLE OK? I also want a pony.
Basic Bob
Sun, Sep 9, 2012 : 3:12 a.m.
Well he is fighting. Sober people don't fight.
Middle America
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
The leprechaun is supposed to be drunk?
tom swift jr.
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
I've had nothing to do with the university since they changed the logo, it is no longer my alma mater. Bring back the Huron and I'll be back on campus.
Rimshot
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
Don't hurry back, Tom. We really don't need you.
Davidian
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:59 p.m.
At the time, people were caught up in the Political Correctness witchhunts that swept the nation. Now, it's only controversial and offensive to a tiny minority of very loud individuals. Bring it back.
rougehuron
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:57 p.m.
I attended EMU after the change and cannot stand the Eagle mascot. There are high schools that have better identities in this country. The day the university leaders and marketing department get their head on straight and realize the value in having a good brand is the day I'll consider attending a sporting event, buying apparel, or donating to the school.
Middle America
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
Good idea. Refuse to donate money to a school you attended solely based on the mascot. Mascots are the most important part of college, not learning or anything like that.
dexterreader
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:45 p.m.
Once a Huron, always a Huron. And yes, I am one of those alumni.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:38 p.m.
I am a descendant of the Ho Chunk Tribe of northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota, and wherever else my other ancestors' people drove them. My tribe was called by others "Winnebago." My tribe is a lake, it is a motor home, it is high schools' mascot, it is a lot of other things. I don't have a problem with that. I don't see that Hurons would have a problem with the EMU logo. I really do understand that modern America can't really sell campers called "Ho Chunk." So long as people are respectful, I have no problem with it. What I have a problem with is the Florida State "Seminole" hatchet cheer. You know, tomahawks and all that. What I have a serious problem with is the Cleveland "Indians" logo showing a grinning idiot in blatantly red skin leering at me. That is totally offensive, and shows a vicious and shameless attitude towards the native Americans. I also have a problem with the concept that a group cannot do anything that a person finds offensive. Think about it. Is there anything that no one will find offensive? Have you read comments on this forum???? If nothing was ever done that one person might consider offensive, nothing would ever be done. I think we need to show compassion to others, and show respect to those from other cultures, etc. EMU Hurons, yes. Cleveland Indians, disgusting and no.
jns131
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
Thanks Kevin. I was about to say the same thing.
treetowncartel
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.
Well said. While I did have a great grandmother that was Cherokee I have no connection to the culture and only a physical collection to the heritage. Anyhow, I do agreewith your point about looking at the context of the reference and the depiction. Similar, to the Debbie Spenditnow ad.
Kevin Kennedy
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
Exactly. And the Huron tribe wanted EMU to keep the nickname because they felt it was an honor.
thecompound
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:58 p.m.
good post.
god's hammer
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
Thanks for telling it like it is. Much respect.
god's hammer
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:05 p.m.
Yet the highly offensive and derogatory "Washington Redskins" name and logo along with "Cleveland Indians" chef "Wahoo" are fine, no problem. Where is the outrage about using these disrespectful terms and logos? This is what bothers me about this whole thing. If you look at the logo of EMU it is a very proud non offensive image of a Native American Chef. Now look at The Cleveland Indians logo. As others have said, how come we still have a Huron river or anything else associated with the Huron people? EMU lost so much history and pride when they switched to the generic Eagles. And Pride is something the EMU so desperately needs!
Basic Bob
Sun, Sep 9, 2012 : 3:08 a.m.
Clearly "Chief Wahoo" is a caricature of a Native American, and I can understand why some are offended. There are regular protesters showing a *white* Wahoo with a cross on his head. I don't know I could ever give up the idea of a Cleveland baseball team other than the Indians, nicknamed the "Tribe" and with a mascot other than Wahoo. It is something I grew up with and I do not relate it in any way to Native Americans. That doesn't make it right, and you are free to form your own opinion.
sellers
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
While everyone will never be satisfied - I agree the EMU logo is respectful and honorable in my view. I have no known lineage bloodwise to the original settlers however believe this can all be done with taste, honor, and respect, and I believe EMU's original was so.
Rob Pollard
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
There has definitely been protesting against the plainly derogatory Redskins name. See this link about a lawsuit that took over 17 years to resolve (the are others now winding their way through the system), http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/us/july-dec09/redskins_12-17.html To sum that link up, it was a lawsuit against the trademarking of the Redskins name/logo (which, if overturned, would make merchandising Redskin football stuff worthless, which would make the team change their name), but it was dismissed by the Supreme Court due to statue of limitations issues. IMHO, I think it's pathetic that a slur like Redskins is used. It's completely different than tribe names like Hurons (or Chippewas or Seminoles, etc) in which you can go to an actual tribe and see if they consider it an honor or not, and talk about how they would like to be represented.
D Ebeling
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
I attended EMU and was a Senior there in 1990 when the decision was made to change the mascot. I was involved in protesting the change. The University denied the leader of the Huron tribe a chance to speak at any of the hearings that were held regarding the mascot change. His opinion was that it was an honor to have the Huron name associated with an institute of higher learning. The logo was not offensive to him in any way. This whole "PC" thing has gotten way out of control. I would agree that it is not right to be offensive to anyone, but the Huron name and logo was in no way offensive. "Redskins", yes I can see that being offensive. But simply the name of an Indian tribe, one that is honored by the use? No. There is such a thing as history and tradition, and the Huron name represents both in more ways than one. I am proud to be an EMU HURON. I was also privy to inside information that before the official "vote" was even held regarding the matter, a mock-up of the new logo, the Eagle, was seen on a model of the football stadium field in the AD's office. The entire thing was a farce. This was before the it was decided to change the logo AND before the students supposedly had a "voice" in choosing the new mascot.
Jeff Frank
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.
Nice dose of logic there, Mr. Krause. Too bad the Board of Regents hadn't a clue so they didn't consider the rather obvious solution of keeping the name and changing the logo. Instead, they relied on the report of the daughter of one of the administrators... one that proclaimed the Hurons dead and gone with no one to speak for them. That despite the Huron Restoration group producing two Huron chiefs, one from Wendake, Quebec - Max Gros-Louis - and another from Wyandotte, OK - Leaford Bearskin - to speak on behalf of the tribes. The Board chose to hide from these leaders instead of respectfully listening to them and coming up with a solution that all could live with. EMU has suffered from the fall out ever since.
Steve Krause
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 1:38 p.m.
I teach at EMU and came here after the whole "once a Huron always a Huron" thing started to fade a bit, 1998. So I guess what I'm saying is I don't have a dog in this fight, other than to say that "The Eagles" is a lame and generic mascot and clearly if EMU were to change its mascot to anything else new it should have been the Emus. But really, I'm posting because I have a question for D Ebeling or anyone else who was here way back when: was there any consideration to simply changing the logo and keeping the name "Hurons" but using it to suggest something more about the place/part of Michigan rather than a specific tribe? I mean, we have rivers, lakes, streets, and whatever else in this part of Michigan that uses the name "Huron;" why didn't they change the logo to just the big E that they use now and said "we're the Hurons?"
music to my ear
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:14 p.m.
I would think native Americans would be honor. that schools use an Indian as a symbol. for they are so brave and respected and the students just want to be like them I have Indian in me I am not offended I really do not get it.
music to my ear
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.
ok Ihave native american in my blood line I did not mean to offend anyone by saying brave and respected and yes years ago they were not respected we all have gone through all kinds of disrespect one way or another its just nowadays people just cannot say boo without a politically correct attachment to a comment so I take the f for failing this comment. I would never mean to offend any . I apologize if I had. and I do not need to research anything ,cheerokee
John of Saline
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
Heimer, I think you'll find that a lot of actual Native Americans roll their eyes at exaggerated offence to the term "Indian."
Brad
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
You have Indian in you? Which part of India?
HeimerBoodle
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
Oh where to start. First, don't use "Indian", just don't. Second, your "so brave and respected" line perfectly demonstrates one of the problems - you are reducing a whole group of people (who, by the way, were certainly NOT respected by many, many others) to a convenient, short hand stereotype. You may have heard of the term "Noble Savage" - it's not a compliment and you just made the same error. Third, whether or not you have Native American ancestry (and please research that - don't just buy some relative telling you there is an "Indian Princess" in your family tree, because that encompasses a whole other set of offensive stereotypes and mistakes) it's not up to you to speak for an entire and varied group. I, for example, as a German American, could say "hey, I think it's fine if you use our babies' ears as Christmas decorations!". Are you going to go searching for German American babies' ears come Yuletide?
Cash
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:35 p.m.
To me it doesn't matter if you "get" WHY someone is offended. Just don't offend them.
sellers
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:50 p.m.
Anything that can help people understand the roots of our region and pay some kind of tribute to our native settlers is a good thing. While it could be better with some proper history of how the original settlers lived and survived (or didn't :( ) as that would be an education to our euro-centric culture, I'll take this as a start toward that direction.
Cash
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
When the original decision was made many years ago I think Dick Robb spoke the greatest truth on this subject as a member of the board: (and to clarify, Dick Robb is a Republican) To paraphrase......"if you know you are offending people, just stop." Just imagine the groups of people that public institutions would NOT dare offend......yet, somehow in this country, Native Americans have always been fair game...and apparently that hasn't changed especially when there's money to be made from doing so. I realize my opinion is not the popular opinion. However, as a descendent of a Native American, my conscience is not for sale for a donation.
djacks24
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 7:16 a.m.
I'm a half Native American Eastern grad (Eagle unfortunately) and have absolutely no problem with it. Moms full blooded, Eastern grad also, and forever a Huron.
Belgium
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
John of Saline, I believe there were members of the Huron tribe at the time that stated for the record that they felt honored by naming the school teams after their tribe. I don't know if that was the "official" Huron tribe opinion, but I remember well thinking that if the tribe members didn't care, it was a PC Police issue and should have been dropped. Personally, I'm waiting for someone to name a team, the Hebrews. I won't be offended.
John of Saline
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 4:32 p.m.
The "offended" people were white PC types looking to be offended by something and "Make A Difference! (tm)." The ACTUAL Hurons were ignored.
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:06 p.m.
"Just imagine the groups of people that public institutions would" ... keep memory alive adn generate interest in teh history (good/bad/indifferent) of hte not-erased recognition. oh,wiat,nevermind.
Cash
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
I guess you missed my point....I do NOT expect someone who is not descended from the Native Americans to "get it". I just expressed my own viewpoint. This much a guarantee....EMU would NEVER use an image or name that offended any other race of people.
sellers
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
How is this not paying tribute to such groups or settlers? Is a Pioneer (ala Oakland U or https://mcnet.marietta.edu/~athl/football/parents.html) any different form a Huron? If anything, a Pioneer in America is a savage who ransacked villages, dug up graves, and stole from others. (source: Lies my Teacher Told Me :http://www.amazon.com/Lies-My-Teacher-Told-Everything/dp/0684818868) That itself should be more offensive to Native settlers than a mascot horning them. With that said -if you are offending someone - you should modify or at least educate to resolve the offense.
Fender66
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
Hurons Hurons, hats off to you! Fight Fight Fight for Old EMU.....!!!!
jns131
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9:20 p.m.
I could not agree more. I am so elated to hear this. I graduated from the old logo and glad to see my colors are back.
xmo
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
Nothing like forgetting our history and rewriting it! In another twenty years we will have to change the Huron River to "Green River", Huron Street to Eagle Way, and Huron High School to "River Bank High" Who came up with these ANTI-AMERICAN ideas?
fjord
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
Anti-American ... how, exactly?
seldon
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
Is it true that the actual Huron tribe endorsed continued use of the logo back when they were making the decision?
katmando
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 9:30 p.m.
There is no "true" huron tribe at best they are branch of the Wyanotte tribe does not and still does not follow native Wyandotte traditions.
Lovaduck
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
Good for John of Saline. It was p.c. types who claim to be part Indian (oops, Native American, First Nation, Aboriginal) that took the offense. Actual living Native Americans who don't speak for all to be sure, frequently see such imagery as honorific, not offensive. It was the sort of p.c. types LOOKING to be offended that caused this debacle.
worldchamp
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.
Yes, our group flew two Huron Chiefs to a Homecoming game years ago. And yes they did want the university to keep the name Hurons. It meant quite a bit to them
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3 p.m.
tru dat
Rob Pollard
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
Yes. If you read the News story, a leader of the Huron/Wyandotte says "Our stance has always been we didn't see it as anything but an honor to the Hurons and Wyandottes. We never saw it as demeaning."
sellers
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
I don't remember - but I know the Chip's did for Cmich.....
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 12:35 p.m.
Throwback uniforms for the band?
Ghost of Tom Joad
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.
don't give dave brandon any ideas
Ron Granger
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.
Would this be tolerated if the target brand was "blacks"? No? Then why should it be okay to lampoon native people?
Jack
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 3:45 a.m.
And why do you see it as a lampoon rather than a compliment? Perhaps it is your perspective that is the problem.
nekm1
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
I am offended that the "black's" as you refer to them have an alumni tent at MSU games just for "black" alum? Where is the tolerance there? Why not a tent for the Jewish alums, the Asian alums, or the Irish alums? Enough already!
Brad
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.
There is no lampoon. Only a straw man.
sellers
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:55 p.m.
Where is the lampoon in the logo? Did you see a different logo ?
Ron Granger
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.
Why is this okay? Would it be okay to brand a sports team with religious symbolism and imagery? What about other racial branding? Does continuing to de-personalize and caricature the native peoples make immigrants feel better about taking their land? We've taken their land, why not continue to take their image and use it in sports branding?
djacks24
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 7:10 a.m.
I'm part native American and I'd love nothing more than for EMU to be the Hurons again. My full blooded relatives were offended when Eastern dropped the Huron mascot.
MGoYpsi
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
New Orleans Saints- that sounds religious to me Ron. What about Knights? Nobody seems bothered by these.
cmadler
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
What about the Patriots, Vikings, Fighting Irish, Spartans, and Trojans to name just a few?
HeimerBoodle
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 2:09 p.m.
Thank you Ron. The "my minority friend/one group says it's ok so it's ok" argument is factious as well as dangerous. It lumps people together in a way that is simply insulting. What if I found some group of white men who said "I'd be fine with X". Will all other white men be fine with X, whatever X is? It sounds absurd when applied to the majority, but it's no different. For example, my father is a white, middle class male who believes socialism is the ideal form of government - so I'm a bit unclear why another other white, middle class males have a problem with that.
Ron Granger
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
@kmgeb2000: just because someone supposedly said it was okay 20 years ago does not mean they speak for everyone, everywhere, forever. It would be comparable to one black person claiming to speak for all black persons, forever.
kmgeb2000
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
Because the actual Huron-Wyandotte tribe did NOT have a problem with it twenty years ago.
Technojunkie
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : noon
IIRC EMU listened to the council of a fake Native American and convicted sex offender, a guy posing as "Chief Yell-O-Hawk", over the actual Huron-Wyandotte tribe when dumping the Huron logo years ago.
sellers
Sat, Sep 8, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
worldchamp : Do you have any sources that you can reference for that ?
worldchamp
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.
The Return Our Huron group also flew two Chiefs in for Homecoming festivities and for a Regents meeting, however when the Board of Regents got wind of the two Chiefs that were going to attend and tell a completely different story than the one they were telling, they conveniantly cancled the meeting for lack of a quorum. These two chiefs were decendents of the Huron Wendat Tribe and were so honored to have the name Huron associated with this once proud University, then quite confused when the Board canceled their meeting.
worldchamp
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
HIS NAME WAS Henry Leroy Townsend, from Saline if I remember correctly.
trespass
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 11:30 a.m.
The use of native american imagery and rituals in ways that ignore religious and cultural contexts should go the way of blackface performers in minstral shows. Look here to see some of the sad depictions of native american riturals by Michigauma/Order of Angell. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYnrGACIqgs and http://goodspeedupdate.com/michigamua-information
jns131
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 9:18 p.m.
I agree with sellers. You also forgot to say what they did to their children at the turn of the century. What a waste of a generation lost.
sellers
Fri, Sep 7, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
I agree, Eurocentric history books and culture and made Native settlers out to be savage, when in truth, the euro invaders were the grave robbers, thieves, and barbarians. The logo is a tangental issue to the real problem, poor history books - maybe with re-intro of the logo it may help bring out the discussion to cause us to realize that our history books teach our kids that Euro was good - when in reality they were barbaric in taking over this already settled land.