4-H "INDIAN" RITUALS MAY BE FURTHER REVISED - USDA Report Forthcoming

(06/01/2003)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has finished investigating allegations that West Virginia's 4-H program used offensive American Indian traditions at its camps. 4-H leaders said this week they have not been informed of the findings. WVU Spokeswoman Ann Bailey Berry said "I think they want to talk about what we found in our investigation and what they found in theirs." She indicated the USDA might want further changes. "We're really hopeful that we can work together with the USDA," Berry said. "Our goal remains the same: We want to keep as many of our West Virginia 4-H traditions as possible." WVU began a review of long-standing 4-H rituals when a Roane County parent complained to the USDA's Office of Civil Rights. The USDA funds much of the 4-H program. The WVU Extension Service is worried out losing $4.5 million. State 4-H leaders said they would abandon traditions deemed offensive, but keep others that honor American Indian cultures. 4-H'ers continue joining one of four tribes -- Mingo, Cherokee, Delaware or Seneca, as camping season begins. The agency says counselors have been trained in applying the new rules. Members have stopped wearing feathered head dresses, doing "stereotypical motions and dances" and chanting a Big Foot tribal cheer of "Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!," but some chiefs can wear a felt headband. The Spirit Stick is still allowed in some fashion.

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