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Rapids:  Volleyball State Champs November 20, 2021

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Rapids:  Volleyball State Champs November 20, 2021

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Our first full season since the COVID-19 Pandemic and River wins State Volleyball (first time since 2001). So proud!

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State volleyball: Columbia River claims championship

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The Columbia River Rapids defeat league-rival Ridgefield, ending the Spudders’ long reign atop Class 2A volleyball in Washington; Camas finishes fifth in Class 4A

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State volleyball: Columbia River claims championship

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Columbia River High School Rapid Branding Guide Fall, 2021

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Columbia River High School Rapid Branding Guide Fall, 2021

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The Rapids logo and our choice for an embosser is final!

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Intro to the top 10 entries

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Alex & Michael share student renderings of the Rapids

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Students submit artwork May, 2020

Link:

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To submit your your logo design click the link below. Be sure the file name has your first and last name in it.

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April- June 2021

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Mascot timeline one pager for CR on 21Sept2020 update April 2021

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Nickname replaces the long-standing chieftain name, retired in September by school board

Published: April 16, 2021, 9:28am

Things are rapidly changing at Columbia River High School. First construction, and now a new mascot.

Students at the Hazel Dell school selected Rapids to serve as the school's new nickname, effective immediately. Rapids won out over Captains in a schoolwide voting process this week. The school unveiled the name in a video recording to students Friday morning.

The mascot transition ends an eight-month process that began when the Vancouver School Board voted unanimously to retire the long-standing chieftain nickname that served Columbia River High and Minnehaha Elementary.

More than 700 name suggestions poured in from staff, students, alumni and community members that were pared down to four choices - Rapids, Captains, Purple Ride and River, a no-mascot option, approved by the school board last month.

The mascot makeover comes at a time when social justice movements have prompted reexaminations of insensitive names, logos and mascots. This week, the state Legislature gave final approval to a bill banning the use of Native American names, symbols and images as school mascots, logos and team names at most public schools.

The school plans to design an official new logo and imagery to be unveiled at a later date.

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The Rapids: Columbia River student body selects new mascot

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Published: April 16, 2021, 9:28am Things are rapidly changing at Columbia River High School. First construction, and now a new mascot. Students at the Hazel Dell school selected Rapids to serve as the school's new nickname, effective immediately. Rapids won out over Captains in a schoolwide voting process this week.

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After a months of input from community members, students, and staff, Columbia River High School has a new mascot.  See what students chose in this Quick Look!

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Special Morning Announcement April 16, 2021

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Vote Results

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Head of School Mascot Announcement April 16 2021

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Rapids or Captains? Vote going on this week will replace Chieftain

Published: April 14, 2021, 6:01am

Photo Gallery

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Columbia River High School students weigh in on mascot

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Published: April 14, 2021, 6:01am The Columbian is becoming a rare example of a news organization with local, family ownership. Subscribe today to support local journalism and help us to build a stronger community.

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The community is invited to submit suggestions for a new mascot for Columbia River High School. The school's Chieftain mascot was officially retired on Sept. 8 by the Vancouver Public Schools' Board of Directors. The action to retire the Chieftain mascot was recommended by former students, community members, the Washington State Board of Education, the American Psychological Association and local tribal leaders who support the removal of Native American mascots.

Community members, parents and staff members can submit suggestions using this survey. Current Columbia River students will receive a separate link for suggestions. Both student and community surveys will be open until October 31.

Suggestions must follow VPS board policy and procedures for mascots.
Suggestions should:

Reflect the geographic or historical features of Hazel Dell, Vancouver, Washington state or the Pacific Northwest

Avoid names that would cause confusion with other local school mascots, logos or images

Celebrate the rich traditions and history at Columbia River High School among the students, alumni and community members

A mascot transition team made up of Columbia River High School students, alumni and staff (current and past) will review suggestions for the new mascot and oversee the transition process of changing the mascot.
Timeline:

Oct. 31, 2020 - Deadline for submissions

Dec. 17, 2020 - Transition team reviews suggestions and chooses three to five finalists to put forward to the superintendent

Jan. 14, 2021 - The superintendent brings the finalists to the board of directors for final approval

Feb. 26, 2021 - Columbia River High School students selects new mascot by a majority vote

March 2021 - Transition team solicits and selects graphic artwork for mascot

March 2021 - Event to honor Columbia River history and milestones

April 2021 - Transition team presents mascot to the community

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Suggestions for Columbia River High School mascot now being accepted

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The community is invited to submit suggestions for a new mascot for Columbia River High School. The school's Chieftain mascot was officially retired on Sept. 8 by the Vancouver Public Schools' Board of Directors.

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School will form a committee to find a new mascot and logo

The Columbia River Chieftains are no more.

The new name for Columbia River High School's mascot is yet to be determined, but the members of the Board of Directors for Vancouver Public Schools voted Tuesday night to retire the Chieftains brand that has been part of the school since it opened in 1962.

It is the end of an era at Columbia River High School. The Vancouver Public Schools Board of Directors voted to retire the name Chieftains. Photo by Mike Schultz

The school board took up the issue in July, met with local tribal leaders, read emails, and took calls from several interested parties. The board members voted unanimously Tuesday a few minutes after hearing public comment on the issue.

"As a River parent ... I recognize and feel the deep sense of pride that is prevalent at River. A River experience is truly an amazing one. This will not change because a mascot and the nickname change. The pride at River goes much deeper than that," said Kathy Decker, a school board member.

Kyle Sproul, a board member, thanked everyone for their comments and appreciated the passion on both sides of the issue.

"Honoring the native people and their opinions is really important," Sproul said.

"To me, the research is clear ... on the negative impact that Native American mascots have on students," added board member Tracie Barrows.

Board member Camera Banfield also appreciated those in support of keeping the name.

"I know their hearts. I know these are really good people. It doesn't make them racists that they want this. By making this change, we are not saying, 'You are a bad person,'" Banfield said. "We're saying there is growth here. I believe you have the ability to grow with us, with our community.

"I know your hearts, but we need to do the right thing for those in marginalized communities."

Imagery and logos in the gym, and all over Columbia River High School, will soon change after the school board voted to retire the name Chieftains. Photo by Mike Schultz

Wendy Smith, a board member and a Columbia River graduate, also noted the passion associated with Chieftain pride. Still, she gave her reasons why she believed it was time for a change.

"The purpose of a mascot is to promote school spirit and community, to foster a feeling of belonging and fellowship. And I fear the Chieftain mascot is failing in that role," Smith said. "If the result of such a mascot is that some students, any students, feel estranged or alienated from their school or community, then it is not the right mascot for that school. We need to find a more inclusive replacement.

"Retiring of the mascot should not be seen as an indictment against the students of Columbia River past or present," Smith added. "Rather, it should be seen as a step forward."

According to Vancouver Public Schools policy, the next step will be to find a new name for the high school's mascot. That will begin at the school level, with the principal organizing a committee of students, staff, parents, alumni, community members, and administrators.

The committee will come up with no less than three and no more than five names for the principal to give to the superintendent, who will then present to the board for its approval.

Several former students, teachers, and community members spoke at Tuesday's board meeting via Zoom. It was a mix of those in favor of retiring the name and those who wanted to maintain the name.

The name Chieftain, Marlon Gorden said, means a leader of a tribe or a group. He said it is not a derogatory term.

"Chieftain pride is real and runs deep. It doesn't go away when you graduate," said Gorden, who graduated in 1979. "It becomes your identity for life. Retiring the Chieftains nickname would be the most hurtful and disrespectful thing you could do to me and my fellow alumni of 58 years."

Anastacia McAllister, a Native American, is a Columbia River graduate, as well.

"The mascot does not honor me or my family. The mascot does not honor my community or the native presence in the lower Columbia River," McAllister said.

"We are not seeking to revise history or obliterate it," she continued. "The Chieftain mascot is our history, but that does not mean it needs to be our future."

In the end, the board agreed for a new future at Columbia River High School.

The resolution also included the retiring of the Chieftains name from Minnehaha Elementary School.

The resolution also called for the change to take effect immediately.

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Chieftains are no more at Columbia River High School | ClarkCountyToday.com

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The Columbia River Chieftains are no more. The new name for Columbia River High School's mascot is yet to be determined, but the members of the Board of Directors for Vancouver Public Schools voted Tuesday night to retire the Chieftains brand that has been part of the school since it opened in 1962.

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Vancouver Public Schools board could retire name and logo at meeting next week

Vancouver Public Schools could retire the mascot for Columbia River High School as early as next week at a board meeting, but many associated with the school are not ready to move on from the Chieftains.

They say that the imagery of the Chieftains, the logo, should change, but the name should be saved. They are asking for more time to showcase the work and research they have done in recent years in an effort to make Columbia River High School a center of education for Native American culture.

Columbia River High School officials have been in the process of doing away with Native American imagery for its logo and going with CR. Some on the school board want to retire the name "Chieftains" and the logo. Photo by Mike Schultz

Bradford Williams, a graduate and now a teacher at Columbia River, said that while technically the Chieftain is the school's mascot, teachers and students do not treat it as a mascot.

"It's an identity," he said. "The name 'Chieftain' is a symbol, representing (a) leader. It talks about our job at Columbia River High School to create leaders."

There was a 45-minute discussion on the topic at an online school board retreat on Aug. 25, which included three people representing area tribes. At the conclusion of the discussion, the board agreed that a vote should take place at a future meeting.

"It's my recommendation that we retire the Chieftain name and logo," said board member Kathy Decker.

Board member Wendy Smith, a Columbia River graduate, agreed with the recommendation. She said she appreciates the passion of those who want to keep the name. After hearing from those against the name, though, she is asking for a new direction.

"If it is offensive, and it clearly is, we have heard, there's just no cause to keep it in place. If it's causing hurt or pain to any of our students ... we need to be really mindful of that ... and do what's right."

Columbia River High School still has some imagery of Native American logos across its campus. In recent years, the school is moving toward using CR instead of a human as its logo. The school might be changing its mascot and logo soon. Photo by Mike Schultz

Williams and other supporters of the name say there can be a compromise.

In 2019, Williams said, the school started a rebranding committee to come up with a logo that did not use human form. For now, Columbia River's athletic teams are moving toward the use of "CR."

"As uniforms need to be replaced, we are phasing the 'CR' in and the Chieftain head out," Williams said.

This past school year, a letter was composed asking area tribes for their input in creating a new logo, with the goal to use a "respectful representation of the tribes connected to our general area and the land that our school is built on." The letter was signed by seven people, including a student leader, two administrators, including the principal, as well as teachers and coaches.

The letter was never mailed because school was called off during the pandemic. But Williams, one of the teachers who signed the document, said the existence of the letter shows that Columbia River High School is trying to address concerns. There is no Native American imagery on the letterhead. Just the letters CR and "Home of the Chieftains."

The image of the Columbia River Chieftain, shown here in the background in this 2019 photo, should go away, but the name should remain, supporters of the Chieftains say. Photo by Mike Schultz

The school also went through the process of potentially changing the name in the 2018-19 academic year. Williams said faculty worked with students from the social justice club who inquired about a new mascot. Elders from the Chinook and Cowlitz Tribes met with those students that year.
"When the students point-blanked asked if the name was offensive to them, they said no," Williams recalled. "They had no problem with us using the name Chieftains."

Tribal elders did have a problem with the image of the Columbia River Chieftain, with its feather headdress and face. The image did not represent tribes in this region, the school was told.

In the spring of 2019, the student body voted in favor of keeping the name.

Since that vote, adults and students have been working to find ways to celebrate Native American culture. Among the ideas:

Some English and history teachers have already incorporated Native American literature and lessons into their curriculum.

There is a movement to ask the Chinook Indian Nation to bless the land that the school has been on since it opened in 1962.

Native American cultural assemblies.

A partnership with a native school for education, fundraising, and cultural celebrations.

A permanent display case for Native American presentations, and perhaps a mural depicting Native American life.

Supporters of the name point out that tribal members are split on the issue. There is not 100 percent agreement within the Native American community.

At the retreat, the board heard from Mike Iyall, tribal council member for the Cowlitz Tribe, Nathan Reynolds, director of the Cowlitz Tribe Culture Department, and Sam Robinson, vice chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation. All three said it was time for a change.

Also at the retreat, a statement from Pretty Dear Eagleman of the Native American Guardians Association was read. She recommended saving the name.

David Barnett, a tribal council member for the Cowlitz who was instrumental in the development of the ilani Casino, was not at the board retreat. He told Clark County Today that as a former athlete, he would have loved to compete for a high school with a Native American tribute, as long as it was respectful.

"Done properly, it's a great thing," Barnett said.

He added that he does see both sides of the issue. Fans using inappropriate gestures, such as a Tomahawk Chop, need to stop. If Columbia River continues its work to showcase the name with respect, he is all on board with the Chieftains.

"A lot of Natives look at some of the more respectful names and mascots and it gives them a sense of pride," he said. "A lot of people recognize Native Americans as great athletes."

Two years ago, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians wrote a letter to Columbia River High School officials saying it does not support a change, noting that the use of Native American symbols by a local school demonstrates "strength and resiliency."

The Siletz does not condone inappropriate behavior in regard to Native American mascots, but "we do believe wiping any semblance of Native Americans from the public eye is a continued attempt to exterminate our existence from our homelands."

The experts online at the board retreat had other opinions.

"Native mascots, they often have a negative impact on Native youth. It's too often a slur," Iyall said. "It's an idea that's time has passed."

Staff and students have been working with area tribes to find a way to honor Native Americans and create a new logo at Columbia River High School, the home of the Chieftains. Photo by Mike Schultz

Reynolds said that the issue "probably" should never have gone to the students for a vote in 2019. This is a leadership opportunity and he was there to encourage board members that it is time to make the change.

"You're supposed to be leading the students. You're supposed to be educating them," he said.

He added, "This is fundamentally a human rights issue. Everybody deserves dignity. No one deserves to be a stereotype."

Robinson also gave a nod toward a new beginning for Columbia River High School.

"In today's world, there seems to be a push toward people's awareness toward minorities," he said. "We're feeling this is a good time for a change."

While the agenda for the Sept. 8 board meeting has not been posted as of this report, a VPS official told Clark County Today that it is believed action on this subject will be heard at the meeting. A vote could take place.

Those wishing to keep the name are hoping the board will give them more time to be heard. An online petition in support of the Chieftains name has been signed by more than 600 people, a list that includes current and former students, as well as teachers and community members.

"I would like to keep the identity of Chieftains," said Williams, who said he has been involved with the Columbia River community as a student, coach, and teacher for 35 years. "It is part of who I am. I'm a Chieftain."

Board members at the retreat said if the Chieftain name is retired, it will be an opportunity for students and staff to begin new traditions.

Williams would prefer education to lead the way with the traditional name.

"If the school changes its name, its identity, I as an alumni will always be a Chieftain," Williams said. "That's who I am. I know a lot of alumni feel that way. Will we respect the board's change? Of course."

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A push to save the Chieftains at Columbia River High School | ClarkCountyToday.com

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Vancouver Public Schools could retire the mascot for Columbia River High School as early as next week at a board meeting, but many associated with the school are not ready to move on from the Chieftains. They say that the imagery of the Chieftains, the logo, should change, but the name should be saved.

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August 2020

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A Native family's decades-long fight against a high school mascot

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A Vancouver high school has had a "Chieftan" mascot since the 1960s. Students who've criticized it hope the latest challenge will be the last.

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At River, family runs deep

At Columbia River High School, it's not just about family. It is about extended family.

Alex Miller, a three-sport athlete for the Chieftains, can tell you about his great grandmother who worked at the school. He can note how his grandfather, parents, aunts, and uncles went to school. Now, he and his cousins go there, too.

Noel Sims is the student body president at Columbia River. Photo courtesy of Noel Sims

Noel Sims, the student body president, can relate.

"My grandpa went to River. His varsity letter ... I have the same one. It makes you want to be engaged and involved. That's really special at River," Sims said.

Tradition begins with so many teachers, as well.

"I think with our school, it's how much pride we have in ourselves," Miller said. "You can really feel it through the teachers. A lot of teachers went to River and went back to River to teach. Everyone takes care of each other. That's awesome."

Their experiences at Columbia River were so positive that when they decided to become teachers, they wanted to continue that experience at Columbia River.

River flow: The cycle of excellence continues.

Miller joined the Associated Student Body this school year and is on the senior council.

Alex Miller is a three-sport athlete at Columbia River, a school with a rich family history. Photo courtesy of Alex Miller

"I wanted to step up as a leader," said Miller, who is a team captain in tennis, basketball, and track and field. "I wanted to be with the leaders in our school, learn what they do, and take it into sports with my teams."

Sims also is the head coordinator of Mr. and Miss CR, the school's annual fundraiser. The pageant was supposed to be March 21.
"That's something a group of seniors have been working on for six months, and I've been part of it for two years," Sims said. "I was looking forward to that night. We still did raise a lot. Just disappointing to do all that work and not get to show it. That's sad."

"Still a great experience for a great cause," Miller added.

The event raises funds for Friends of the Children, a mentorship program.

The student leaders, like everyone, are left wondering what the immediate future holds.

"I miss seeing people, leaving my house, having things to do," Sims said. "I'm so used to being busy. I don't know what to do with myself."

Will the school hold a prom? Will there be a graduation ceremony?

"This is the last of everything, and we might not get to do any of it," Sims said, referring to seniors.

Miller said he misses sports, not being able to compete. He was supposed to be competing in track and field right now. Plus, he and his doubles partner, Max Firstenberg, have qualified for the state tennis championships.

All that is up in the air, but no matter what, Sims and Miller get to say, forever, that they are Columbia River Chieftains.

They love seeing their team colors throughout the community.

"It makes me feel great. Even people who don't go to our school anymore still wear our gear because they had a great time, a great education," MIller said.

"I think it's exciting, especially when I see older people," Sims said. "It's cool to see people who went there that long ago but are still excited about the community."

Advice to other students during the school closure:

"Just hang in there and get into a day-to-day routine that will make you better at whatever you would be working toward if there was school/sports," Miller said.

More schools:

Read more

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Our school: Columbia River Chieftains | ClarkCountyToday.com

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At Columbia River High School, it's not just about family. It is about extended family. Alex Miller, a three-sport athlete for the Chieftains, can tell you about his great grandmother who worked at the school. He can note how his grandfather, parents, aunts, and uncles went to school.

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CRTV May 2019:  Retire the Chieftain Introduction

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CRTV May 2019:  Retire the Chieftain Introduction

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2018-2019 Canvas Course for River Students created by Leadership Students and Administration

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2018-2019 Canvas Course for River Students created by Leadership Students and Administration

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.