Since the 1960s, there has been a growing movement in the U.S. against the use of harmful Native American stereotypes in high school media and sports. In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown passed AB 30 as a way to remove the derogatory term “Redskins” from mascots, team names, and nicknames. In 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation AB-3074, expanding it to prohibit more names deemed offensive in order to eliminate harmful stereotypes. The terms that need to be changed include Apaches, Big Reds, Braves, Chiefs, Chieftains, Chippewa, Comanches, Indians, Savages, Squaw, and Tribe. As a result, Arcadia High School (AHS) will no longer be able to use the “Apaches” as a designation starting July 1, 2026. 

Some have questioned this change, pointing to tradition as one of the reasons against removing the emblem. However, while the Apache name has been used since the opening of AHS in 1952, its history has not always shown respect for Native American culture. 

In 1997, AHS came across controversy for its use of Arcadia Warrior or “Apache Joe.” Dressed up as a caricature of a Native American figure, he appeared during pep rallies and sports games in different uniforms that were created based on stereotypical assumptions of Native American attire. Despite phasing out the use of “Apache Joe” as a mascot, the broader issue of being known as the “Apaches” remained.

“It’s [someone’s] ethnic identity, and just using it for something like sports is very reductive for what that label is,” said Mr. Gerry Wang, AHS’ Social Science Department Chair. 

Overall, the partnership with the White Mountain Apaches was not passive or symbolic, but built through communication and collaboration. In 1998, AHS formally reached out to the tribe to establish a relationship grounded in respect. This outreach led to continued conversations about how the Apache name and imagery were being used, as well as the responsibility the school carried in representing real people and culture. These discussions laid the foundation for long-term involvement between the tribe and the school community.

In 1999, the Student Council Apache Commission (SCAC) was founded to oversee the respectful use of the designation.

“SCAC was supposed to monitor the use of the designation…of anything related to Native American imagery, or words, or names, or anything like that,” said SCAC Advisor and Social Science teacher Mrs. Heather Moore. 

Today, the Apache name is used as a designation, not a mascot. Regardless of this change, AHS once again came under criticism for our designation in 2021. This was resolved by a letter sent to Arcadia Unified in 2021, where Gwendena Lee-Gatewood, the Tribal Chairwoman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, wrote, “We have never objected to the use of the Apache name for Arcadia High School, because it has been represented with respect, and what an honor that has been for us all. We continue to support the continued use of the name.” 

She also noted that AHS’ use of the Apache designation helped bring awareness to the White Mountain community and their history. Beyond the designation itself, the White Mountain Apache Tribe has consistently emphasized that their culture and history are living and ongoing, not confined to symbols or the past. Based in Whiteriver, Arizona, the White Mountain Apaches continue to preserve their traditions, governance, and community life while navigating modern challenges. Tribal leaders have expressed that respectful partnerships, like the one developed with AHS, can help promote understanding when they are rooted in education, dialogue, and consent rather than stereotypes or assumptions.

Over the years, AHS has worked to continue a respectful relationship with the White Mountain Apaches. In the spring of 2010 and 2015, Arcadia students had the enriching experience of watching White Mountain Apaches perform Crown Dances and share their traditions. Also thanks to the EDI committee students had the opportunity to take part in an exchange program with the Alchesay High School in Whiteriver, Arizona, on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. 

“We used to host Diversity Week, and [the White Mountain Apaches] would come here, and we would have events,” said Mr. Wang. “But the pandemic changed that. We have never had one since the pandemic.” 

Even with the loss of Diversity Week, AHS students have continued to support the White Mountain Apaches. SCAC continues their mission to connect with the White Mountain Apaches. Every winter, SCAC coordinates the Ed Schreiner Memorial Toy and Jacket Drive, which delivers resources, requested supplies, gifts, and more to the Apache reservation. SCAC also hosts other fundraising efforts throughout the school year. 

“It gets really, really cold on the reservation in the winter. It’s a very high elevation, far from the ocean, with extreme summers and very cold winters. That’s where the [Ed Schreiner Toy and Jacket Drive] came from,” said Mrs. Moore. 

Many are able to recognize that the change reflects our evolving values. 

Mr. Wang commented, “I think that today, in 2026, our sensibilities have evolved, and so therefore, it’s just time. I’m glad that our government is actually taking action.”

While we have to remove the Apache emblem, we don’t have to erase our history or our relationship with the White Mountain Apaches. 

“We are not going to run away from our past. We’re going to continue the White Mountain Apache relationship and continue to put on our toy and jacket drive,” said Mr. Wang. “That’s part of our history. We’re owning up to it. It’s just time to change.”

Mrs. Moore also shares her opinions on this fact, and agrees that we shouldn’t stop our long lasting relationship with the White Mountain Apaches. 

“We’ve all walked into this history together, and we’ve walked into a relationship that has been in existence since before many of us. My personal opinion is that this relationship should be maintained when we stop using the name Apache, and that the drive should continue. Whether Arcadia High School uses the name Apache or not, there is a relationship here that all of us have walked into the history of.”

Mr. Wang commented on future plans to continue educating our students about the White Mountain Apaches. 

“In the library, we are planning on creating glass displays, so the admin will be looking for any kind of artifacts. We’re not here to erase history, but to embrace it and use it as a learning opportunity.”

Now that AHS will no longer be referred to as the “Apaches,” it is up to the students to continue this relationship of respect. This year, there was an attempt to begin a course called Apaches Studies. Despite being in the curriculum guide, the course did not have enough students registered to be run as a class. Next school year, the Social Science Department hopes to introduce it again with more successful results. 

“My life has personally been enriched by knowing people on the reservation, and that’s something I would want for all of our students,” said Mrs. Moore. 

Preserving AHS’s history is not just an administrative responsibility, but a community one. Hopefully, AHS can continue learning and developing our relationship with the White Mountain Apaches and serve as a model for other schools facing similar changes. Updating our designation is not about erasing history, it’s about respecting it. Acknowledging the harm caused by racial mascots while continuing to educate students about Native American culture and history can allow schools to move forward responsibly.