Sierra Club Stance:
The nationwide uprisings against police brutality and in support of Black lives have drawn attention to the proliferation of monuments and markers to Confederates and those who actively promoted the conquering, displacement, subjugation and enslavement of Indigenous People in many public and outdoor spaces in the United States. They memorialize the genocide, slavery, and hatred that resulted in the marginalization of millions in America since European colonizers arrived on our shores. For more than a century, these monuments have sent a message to Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and others with marginalized identities: You are not welcome here. And for too long, we have let them stand. These symbols are constant and threatening reminders of the systemic racism and oppression that have denied marginalized groups the freedom to move and live safely and sustainably. Public spaces — especially our parks, public lands, and schools — are meant to be enjoyed by all, and the glorification of white supremacists through these monuments and markers is demeaning and insulting to those of us who continue to suffer at the hands of brutality, racism and discrimination. As such, the Sierra Club supports the removal of these statues and monuments from all public lands and spaces. We support replacing them with monuments and markers of leaders who dedicated their lives to fighting for freedom and justice for the oppressed.
Ohio uses Indian related nicknames in more schools than any other state in the nation. According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, as of June 2020, 79 high schools in Ohio have Native American nicknames and mascots. There are 24 with the name Indians, 11 with Redskins and five with Redmen. Others included Apaches, Arrows, Braves, Chieftains, Chipps, Mohawks, Raiders, Seminoles, Senecas, and Warriors. Ohio has more than 200 usages of Indian related nicknames counting elementary, middle and high schools, according to the American Indian Sports Team Mascot website — more than any other state in the nation. Click here to read more.
Take Action! The Cleveland Indigenous Coalition, which is comprised of four northeast Ohio Native American organizations: the American Indian Movement of Ohio; the Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance; the Lake Erie Native American Council; and the Lake Erie Professional Chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society are working to eliminate harmful or racist Native American sports mascots, names, and imagery. Stand together to demand that the Cleveland Baseball Team honor its promise to engage in meaningful discussion by listening to those most affected, and by changing its name and rebranding away from all Native American themes and tropes, i.e. “Tribe” or “Arrows.”
What's Happening to Columbus in Columbus, Ohio? On July 1, 2020 the City of Columbus removed a 20 foot tall metal statue which has sat outside of City Hall for 65 years, stating 'the statue does not represent the city'. The statue will be placed in storage. Click here to read more.
Take Action! There have been a number of real life heroes in Columbus that are deserving of a statue, support efforts to replace the statue with community organizers fighting for social justice in Columbus. Show support and sign the petition.
Photo: Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images
On July 22, 2020, Sierra Club announced the removal of monument of founder John Muir over his racist history. Muir, who fought to preserve Yosemite Valley and Sequoia National Forest, made derogatory statements about Black and indigenous people. The “most iconic figure in Sierra Club history, Muir’s words and actions carry an especially heavy weight.” Muir's words "continue to hurt and alienate Indigenous people and people of color who come into contact with the Sierra Club." Click here to read more.