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SKOWHEGAN -- A group that seeks to preserve the use of Native American names in schools is scheduled to speak Sunday to a private group in support of keeping the "Indians" nickname in School Administrative District 54.
The North Dakota-based Native American Guardian's Association says it works with schools across the country to "preserve their Native themed identities as a means to promote awareness and education about Indian history and heritage," according to the group's website.
Jennifer Poirier, a school board member and supporter of keeping the "Indians" nickname for sports teams, said the group contacted her several months ago, saying they were going to be on the East Coast in February and were interested in coming to Skowhegan.
Residents in the Skowhegan-based school district have debated for years whether to get rid of the name, which critics, including members of Maine's Penobscot Nation, have said is racist and offensive to Native Americans. Supporters of keeping the name say its use is respectful and part of the area's history.
Skowhegan Area High School is currently the only school left in Maine that continues to use Native American imagery and the "Indians" nickname for its sports teams, though it got rid of its Indian...