April 17, 2000

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
National Office
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079, Irving, Texas 75015-2079
972-580-2000
April 14, 2000

Dear xxxxxxxxx:
I received a copy of the letter you wrote to Chief Scout
Executive Jere B. Ratcliffe on April 6, 2000 regarding the
usage of American Indian themes. Although there are a few issues
we're not in total agreement on, for the most part, I'm in
total agreement with most of the points you addressed. I
also want to applaud you for your efforts in educating
Scouts and Scouters involved in ceremonies and other issues related
to American Indian culture. I do believe that the great majority of American Indian
issues need to be addressed in the local Scout council area.
I find that American Indian people from different parts of our

country often have different interpretations on cultural
issues. The national Order of the Arrow committee and I do
agree with you that before using American Indian themes
(practices) that lodges should seek out reliable and
knowledgeable persons to assist them in designing an
appropriate, accurate, and respectful portrayal of any aspect of American
Indian culture. This message has been and continues to be
strongly communicated to all OA lodges.
In regards to the inaccuracies you found in the Indian Lore
Merit Badge pamphlet, I want you to know that the Order
of the Arrow does not publish this pamphlet. I will,
however, pass your observations on to the national
advancement committee. The picture of the boy wearing paint on the cover of a Boy's
Life magazine was not involved in an Order of the Arrow
activity. This young person was a member of an Explorer post
specializing in American Indian lore. As you know, the
Order of the Arrow at the national level does not allow the use of face
and body paint.

I encourage you to continue your efforts in your Imat
council and lodge of educating Scouts and Scouters in the
appropriate, accurate, and respectful portrayal of American
Indian culture. The work you are doing in your lodge to
educate Arrowmen about American Indian culture is
commendable! If I can be of any further assistance to you or if you would
like to talk to me on the phone, please feel free to contact
me at the national OA olyice. My phone number is 972-580- 2440.

Sincerely,
OA Director
Cc: Ed Pease
Brad Haddock
David Shettles
Don MXhesney