Gildea said there was no quid pro quo involved in the tribe’s support of Derby’s application to the state. “NCAI shares the unified voice of hundreds of Tribal Nations, and that voice has been consistent and clear for decades: stereotypical and dehumanizing sports mascots, monikers and symbols cause well-documented harms to Native people, particularly Native youth, and they have no place in American society,” the organization said in a statement. The National Congress of American Indians declined to comment specifically on the Schaghticoke’s decision, but said it supports the retirement of Native “themed” mascots at all levels absent a formal agreement with a sovereign tribal nation. Glastonbury recently rejected an attempt to restore the nickname “Tomahawks” to its schools. Several Connecticut municipalities, including West Hartford and Montville have voted to end the use of Native American mascots. “They are all honorable, decent tribes who are state recognized and that should be the only litmus test.” “We should not cherry pick which Native American, state-recognized tribe we decide to give the ability to grant waivers to,” he said. The Schaghticokes do not contribute to the fund, but Gildea said that should not matter.
