Editorial by Marianne Lincoln
As a graduate of Bethel High School, a former school board member and a local historian, I appreciate a chance to share a perspective on the Bethel high school mascot name, Braves.
In the late 1960’s, I asked my elementary class at Elk Plain Elementary how many were of Indian descent. Over two-thirds of the class raised their hands. At the time, I was amazed. Now, having studied the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) and their Puget Sound Agricultural Company farm operation, I better understand the neighborhood. From 208th Street, south to the border of the district was HBC land, purchased from them in 1869 by the state and county. The early residents that portion of the Bethel School District were descendants of those HBC employees and their indigenous (Indian) wives.
The state school board decision is focused on only a portion of the population that is of indigenous descent. In Canada, the Metis is recognized like a tribe; in the USA, they are not. Some of our mixed bloods are members of tribes, but many are living standard American lifestyles. They still know their roots are with the indigenous people, but they are not part of any tribal organization. They love and respect their roots. They named Kapowsin after a Chief and they chose to give Bethel High School the name, “The Brave” which is now, Braves.
The old moniker of a silly Indian is long gone, but the high school graduating classes have donated totem poles and murals in honor of the local history and people. In 2010, when the high school was cleaned out of all the native items and old class photos, the staff and alumni were up in arms over it.
The district agreed to form a committee under the operations department with local alumni, staff and other interested parties. That committee made the decision to bring back those items to the school. The committee felt the name Braves is a positive term and reflected the district’s rich history. The school should be allowed to keep it as long as they keep it in a respectful fashion with its historical perspective. Our Braves love and respect their history and the people who have lived here thousands of years.
The value of the Metis, the Native Americans of mixed blood and their history should also be an important consideration in the discussion. Remembrances and icons can also bring positive memories. Bethel alumni do not want to forget their past and wish to honor it in the present.
Pierce Prairie Post 
Thank you so much for this article. How sad it would be to take this away from Bethel High School. It was also nice to hear this history because I lived at the foot of Muck Creek Hill off Mt. Highway since I was 5 years old. We moved there in 1951. I am always interested in the history of that area
Robin, which Donation Land Claim did you live on? East of the highway was McLeod, west of the highway was McPhail and to the west of him was Henry Smith starting at 34th Ave.
Steve Conway, Senator from the 29th legislative District which now represents Spanaway is the likely choice to chair the Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee. He is the point person in the Senate who will allow or block legislation regarding the name Braves.
I agree that we should not be deprived of this history and heritage. Bethel High School students have been Proud Braves from the beginning. It is only now that we are forced to consider changing our beloved name because someone might be ignorant of the origins or may misunderstand the meaning. Do we really need to change a meaningful and loved name just because someone does not care enough to understand?