Native American Leaders Applaud Paw Paw Schools Nickname Retirement

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pawpawredskins-18

The decision by the Paw Paw Public Schools to retire the Redskins nickname and image at the end of this school year is being applauded by area native Americans. In a joint statement, the chairpersons of Tribal Nations in Southwest Michigan say they “want to be a part of the healing and consultation process by providing insight into our culture, traditions and values with a solution-based approach.” The statement came from Pokagon Band of Potawatomi chairman Matthew Wesaw, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi’s Jamie Stuck, and Gun Lake Potawatomi chairman Bob Peters. Paw Paw superintendent Rick Reo pushed for the change, and the school board voted 6-1 on Monday to retire the name. Reo has asked the board to come up with the district’s new identity by July.