Braves Mascot
Kennewick School District began a consultation process with the Yakama Nation Tribal Council in October 2021 regarding the continued use of the Braves name at Kamiakin High School. Through the consultation process, the Tribal Council authorized continued use of the Braves name and newly created logo in December 2022 with modifications to the imagery and symbols.
A mascot logo committee made up of students, teachers and school/district administrators was formed to provide input on a new logo and to ensure that any imagery does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes and honors and respects the Yakama Tribe and Chief Kamiakin. The Braves logo was redesigned and symbols and images at the school which were identified as stereotypical, outdated, or not honoring to the tribe were removed.
Along with other districts across the state, Kennewick School District has accessed grant funding from OSPI to cover the costs for the updates. Uniforms, clothing, stationary, business cards, logos and signage were updated at the school during 2023.
In addition to updating imagery at Kamiakin High School, the school has focused on updating curriculum to provide learning opportunities about Yakama Tribal history and culture.
Notes: The Washington State Legislative passed RCW 28A.320.296 in April 2021 prohibiting the inappropriate use of Native American names, symbols, or images as public school mascots, logos, or team names.