Courtesy of Upper Peninsula Post
ESCANABA, MI — Local groups are preparing to publicly address Escanaba High School’s longstanding “Eskymos” mascot, renewing debate over its racist use of imagery associated with Arctic Indigenous peoples.
Related: The Escanaba Eskymos
For generations, the mascot has been part of Escanaba’s school spirit. But critics argue that tradition alone is not a reason to maintain a symbol they view as stereotypical and culturally inappropriate.
“I don’t understand it at all. Just because it’s been the mascot for so long doesn’t mean it should stay,” one critic said, describing their reaction to first seeing the school’s cartoon mascot, “Mo.”
The critic emphasized their appreciation for Escanaba High School’s student programs, activities and community spirit, while questioning why those traditions must remain tied to the mascot.
Escanaba’s teams adopted the Eskymos name around 1929, having previously been known as the Hilltoppers. In a 2020 article for Nunatsiaq News, historian Kenn Harper questioned a local story connecting the name to Inuit performer Nancy Columbia, suggesting the name may instead have been chosen for its alliteration.
A 2015 analysis by anthropologist Holly Cusack-McVeigh also examined Escanaba’s mascot as an example of how popular imagery can perpetuate inaccurate stereotypes of Arctic Indigenous peoples.
Critics point out that Michigan’s Indigenous nations have distinct histories and cultures that are not represented by Escanaba’s Arctic-themed caricature. They argue that changing the mascot should mean choosing a new identity altogether, rather than replacing it with another stereotypical Indigenous representation.
The debate also raises questions about why traditions are sometimes defended simply because they have existed for generations. The critic recalled comparing the mascot to a hypothetical mascot based on another minority group, only to be told that it was “not the same.”
The critic also believes the school has anticipated concerns, pointing to some merchandise that reportedly has been changed to remove the mascot. The district’s current position and the extent of those changes have not been independently verified.
For critics, changing the mascot would not mean abandoning Escanaba’s school spirit. They argue the community can preserve its athletic traditions and pride while choosing an identity that does not rely on cultural stereotypes.
As local groups prepare to speak publicly, the future of the nearly century-old racially-based mascot remains a subject of debate.
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The ‘Mo’ mascot is not used on the football helmets or in other promotions
Did you know…
Canadian Football League’s Edmonton team losing Eskimos nickname
The Edmonton CFL franchise officially dropped the “Eskimos” name in July 2020, played temporarily as the Edmonton Football Team, and announced its new permanent name, the Edmonton Elks, on June 1, 2021
