Dana Hertneky, News 9
BRISTOW, Oklahoma -- The Sooners take on the Seminoles this weekend. It is a big game in the world of college football.
But some Oklahomans, specifically Native Americans, say they will be too disgusted to watch because of the Florida State Mascot, Chief Osceola, and the use of Native American images.
For some members of the Seminole Nation here in Oklahoma it's a reminder of a decade long fight they say hasn't come far enough.
"Why would I want to watch something as racist as that?" Narcomey said.
Narcomey is a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and has been fighting for 30 years against Schools and Universities using Native American images as their mascot.
"They think they're doing something positive, but they're not," said Narcomey. "Not in the eyes of native people and native kids specifically."
But the Seminole Tribe of Florida doesn't see it that way. The Tribe endorses Florida State's Indian Chief and works with the University on its image.
The Florida Chief has even stated he regards it as an honor.
And because of that the NCAA allows Florida State to continue using the Seminoles as their mascot.
But Narcomy argues there's piles research and documentation as to why such images as Chief Osceola and the tomahawk chop are harmful especially to Native American children and their self image.
"I have yet to see one person from a fan to give me a research paper to say why it's a positive thing," said Narcomy. "It hasn't been done."
Narcomey says in 2001 Five Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma passed a resolution that they are against Indian mascots in general.
But the Oklahoma Seminole Nation has not taken an official stance one way or another on Osceola.
Florida State Mascot Chief Osceola.
