SAN ANTONIO -- Some San Antonio Native Americans have definite opinions about school mascots portraying Indians.
They support schools like Harlandale High School. It s one of the Alamo City s few school with a Native American mascot.
We don't feel it's a derogatory term: Harlandale Indians is basically a nation of Native people, said Johnny Hernandez. Not the Redskins. Redskins is a derogatory term.
Hernandez, whose name is Hispanic, claims his Indian ancestry. He is not a fan of the Washington Redskins.
It goes back to when they used to scalp the native people and they would get so much per scalp, he said.
The National Football League's Washington Redskins have been under pressure for years to change its mascot because some Native Americans say it s offensive. Recently, when the U.S. patent and trademark office canceled the team's trademark calling it degrading the Native Americans, it could be analyzed in many ways. However, the word disparaging made a statement.
Hernandez recognizes his heritage with San Antonio's Native American Intertribal group. They are offended by the Redskin mascot, too. However, none saw any issues with mascot name like Braves, Apaches and Indians.
Full disclosure: Harlandale High and tribal roots run deep in their families.
We didn't come here to fight, says Mountain Man the Apache. We came here to be peaceful. We came to show our families and our children before then.
In a statement, Harlandale ISD says it is proud to be the home of the Harlandale High School Indians. The school and mascot are rooted in a rich history that stems from Mission San Jose. Students, staff, alumni, and the community have a deep respect for their Native American roots, and continue to honor their values of hard work, culture and education.
