National Group Weighs In on Rutland 'Raider' Name
An article in the Rutland Herald, by Jim Sabatoso
Published on May 17, 2021
A national organization has waded into the contentious local debate about Rutland City Public Schools’ team name and logo. The Native American Guardian’s Association [NAGA] released a statement Friday in support of reinstating the “Raiders” name and arrowhead logo. “The elimination of Rutland High School’s Raider name and logo dishonors the proud history of Native Americans,” stated NAGA board member Eunice Davidson Wicanhpiwastewin.
NAGA’s involvement, however, does not always sit well with members of local Indigenous communities. In an email interview with the Herald, several leaders from Vermont’s various Abenaki Tribes commented on NAGA’s letter and the Rutland mascot issue in general.