On May 15th, representatives of the Maine Indian Tribes met with journalists and educators to discuss the use of Indian names and logos as mascots for Maine Schools. Some say that using Indians as mascots is respectful. Most indigenous people say it belittles them. A little history on the words commonly used to depict Indians would tend to agree with them. In the final analysis, it’s their culture and they should have the last word on whether or not such usage is offensive. Those Indians in attendance were not there to make demands. They only asked that they and their heritage be treated with respect. There are some interesting bits about the history of ‘Indian’ words.