SISSETON, SD (KFGO/KWAT) - The Sisseton, SD School District is changing its homecoming ceremony to remove all references to Native American names and images.
The school board voted 6-3 to eliminate the homecoming coronation of a Chieftain and Princess, who are traditionally crowned while sitting in front of a teepee.
Sisseton Superintendent Neil Terhune says the policy requires “all Native American imagery to be taken out, all references to religion be taken out, all references to culture be taken out…anything that’s considered sacred by the local Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate be taken out.”
Terhune says it will be up to students to decide on what the new homecoming ceremony will look like. Sisseton’s homecoming is next week, which means students have only a few days to make changes.