[Thunderwolf]

According to an ASU press release, the Indians mascot and the "Indian Family" were taken from the heritage of the state of Arkansas from the Osage tribe. The head of ASU's "Indian Family" is named Chief Big Track, after a "legendary" Osage chief.



There was in fact an Osage chief named Cashesegra or Big Track, according to the historical journal, Chronicles of Oklahoma.

"We have no knowledge nor have given any permission to use our image or name in promotion of a school's mascot," Gray said. "We look forward to a new relationship with [ASU] and to the day when Native Americans and their image are no longer misused in this manner."

The retirement ceremony and celebration will take place at halftime of the men's basketball game between Arkansas State University and University of Louisiana-Monroe Thursday night at the ASU Convocation Center in Jonesboro.

The Indians mascot and the "Indian Family" have represented ASU as the school's athletic nickname since 1931. The school's previous mascots were the Aggies in 1911 (sometimes called Farmers), Gorillas in 1925 and Warriors in 1930. The Indians will stay on as the school mascot throughout the spring sports season before giving way to the Wolves in the fall.

Full article: http://www.reznetnews.org/article/fe...526%2523039%3B