Native American mascots would be banned at Washington schools under bill One Native American lawmaker says the mascots are "degrading," and banning them would show respect and bring about healing. Author: Associated Press Updated: 10:20 PM PST February 5, 2021 OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill to ban the use of Native American mascots on high school sports teams in Washington had a public hearing Friday in Olympia. House Bill 1356 was introduced by state Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-Bow, an Alaska Native who is Tlingit and Aleut. "It is degrading that we are being portrayed as no different than a token," said Lekanoff in a statement. “This bill is a small change that will bring about healing and show respect for our Native American neighbors and friends. It will give people some hope."