Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cultural Heritage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenter urges Utah education board to treat Native regalia as identity, not costume
Summary
An unidentified public commenter told the Utah State Board of Education that Native regalia is an expression of identity and should not be mimicked or treated as a costume, urging pride among Native students and respect from non-Native peers.
An unidentified public commenter told the Utah State Board of Education that her heritage is central to her identity and urged board members and school communities to stop treating Native regalia as a costume.
She said the items are personal and sacred, adding, "This regalia is not a costume," and noting that "our regalias look different, we're wearing eagle feathers" as reasons why such attire should not be mimicked. The commenter said there is only "one time of the year that people dress up to pretend to be somebody," and urged schools to teach respect so Native students can be proud of who they are.
Board members did not respond in the provided transcript excerpt. The comment framed regalia as cultural expression rather than entertainment and urged educators and students to distinguish between cultural tradition and costumes. The public comment closed without a recorded motion or vote.
