N.H. school votes to keep Sachem name for teams Laconia High bans use of Indian mascot at events

LACONIA, N.H. – The Native American Sachem will remain at Laconia High School, with some conditions.

The School Board voted 6-1 Tuesday to keep the Sachem name for its athletic teams, but directed school administrators to develop a new districtwide logo and consider adding classes based on Native American culture and history to the curriculum.

In April, the board got rid of a cartoonish American Indian painting on the school gym wall and banned the use of an Indian mascot at high school events. But it put off a decision on the Sachem name until this week.

“Based on overwhelming input I received from constituents, the name should remain,” said board member Ed Philpot. “I’ve listened long and hard to discussion with regard to the Sachem name, and I have thought about what I’ve heard, and I’m concerned what elimination is going to accomplish.”

Some American Indians say the use of the word Sachem – an Abenaki word for chief – is disrespectful to their tradition. The name became the school’s symbol in the 1940s when public criticism prompted the school to abandon an earlier symbol, “The Magicians.”

Board member Marge Kerns said the Sachem name has come to represent the entire student body. Pupils told board members they’re proud of the name because it reflects the qualities of leadership, pride and honor.

She said the board’s decision sends an important message to pupils. “You have to compromise. If you don’t, you won’t get anywhere,” she said.

Board Chairwoman Beth Arsenault voted against keeping the Sachem name.

“When somebody says ‘this offends me,’ and we tell them that we don’t intend the offense, I don’t know if that’s good enough in terms of tolerance,” said Arsenault.

Arsenault suggested retiring the Sachem, setting up a plaque with a logo to explain why, and then choosing another name that “fits our culture and students.”