BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

National Office
1325 West Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079, Irving, Texas 75015-2079
972-580-2000

 

August 30, 2000

 

Dear Mr. xxxxxxxxxx:

I want to thank you for the letter and article you sent me for the Order's "National Bulletin." It was my perception, after ready (sic) the article titled "Symbolism or Stereotype," that your real purpose is to have the Order of the Aroow divest itself from doing any American Indian ceremonies and activities. Our strategic plans talks about de-emphasizing our American Indian image, not divesting ourselves of using the Indian in our ceremonies or activities; and I am unwilling to publish an article that is counter to our stated objectives.

I had hoped that you would have taken a constructive approach by offering to educate non-American Indian youth (Scouts) and adults (Scouters) about American Indian culture. Statements such as "perhaps it is time not to de-emphasize but to divest ourselves, not only the OA, but all aspects of the Boy Scout Program, of the Indian imagery!" Or that "the cultures of the American Indian are alive, well, and thriving! They have no need for outside organizations to help preserve THEIR culture!" are in my eyes counter-productive.

I had hoped for your support in improving the Order's relationship with the American Indian, not asking us to divest ourselves of using the Indian in our ceremonies and activities. In fact, I believe the Order of the Arrow has a very good relationship with American Indians around our country, not that it couldn't improve in some lodges. At the 2000 NOAC (University of Tennessee), Curtis Zunigha, past chief of the Oklahoma Delaware, was presented the Red Arrow Award for his educational work with Arrowmen from around this country.

Sincerely,

signed

Clyde M. Mayer
Director, Order of the Arrow