Someone please help me understand why the “Indians” in Skowhegan Indians is a derogatory term. I would think it would be a proud name. A proud tradition. Isn’t American Indian a proper name? Any person from Ireland is not native to America, yet the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame so far has not caused a problem.

I certainly can understand other references to Indians being offensive. Very much so. But the Native Americans call themselves American Indians. When land in Maine was given back to the Indians many of the areas took the “Indian” name. This term was agreed upon by Maine government and the tribes that accepted the land years ago. So now maps and land surveys all need to be changed?

Again please explain to me why the Indian name is a problem.

Edwin Morris

Benton