Tribal Leader Speaks Out Against Braintree Wamps Mascot

BRAINTREE, MA — The head of the Massachusetts Native American tribe of Ponkapoag, has called on Braintree High School to drop its mascot, the Wamps.

Tribe Sagamore Faries Gray told the Patriot Ledger the tribe does not support any schools using indigenous mascots. He also said the logo isn't accurate, since it includes a war bonnet worn by members of Plains tribes, not the regalia of Native American from Massachusetts.

"My tribe is not in support of any indigenous mascots," Gray told the Patriot Ledger. "We don't feel like we are being honored by any mascots. We feel like a trophy. 'We conquered you and this is our trophy.' It's insane we have to deal with it."

The mascot comes from Chief Josiah Wampatuck, leader of the Mattakeesett tribe. In 1665, Wampatuck signed the Braintree Indian Deed, giving colonists the land that is now Braintree, Quincy, Holbrook and Randolph. The deed remains in the town clerk's office.

The Braintree School Committee has received two petitions, one demanding the mascot be changed, and another urging the school to keep the logo.

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 6,400 people have signed the petition to rename the Braintree High School mascot. Petition creator Lauren Kaye called the school's nickname and logo "extremely distasteful."

"Every year, students dress up in feathered costumes and face paint, running through the halls replicating 'Native American chants,'" Kaye wrote. "These racist practices are unacceptable, yet continue to be allowed and encouraged by the use of this mascot."

More than 2,400 people have signed a counter-petition in support of keeping the "Wamp" mascot.

"Save the culture and history of the Braintree Wamps," petition creator Matt Curtin said. "Where students and athletes take pride in being a Wamp, in which they do not intend to be racist and disrespectful. Once a Wamp Always a Wamp."

At last week's School Committee meeting, Chairman Tom Devin acknowledged the committee received the petitions. He said the matter will be reviewed by the School Committee's policy and education subcommittee