Madelia Public Schools Receives Exemption to Continue Blackhawks Mascot

Madelia Public Schools Receives Exemption to Continue Blackhawks Mascot

 Madelia, MN (June 23, 2026) – Madelia Independent School District 837 has been granted an exemption by the Lower Sioux Indian Community Tribal Council in the State of Minnesota to continue using the Blackhawks as its school mascot. The decision, communicated in a letter dated June 23, 2026, from Lower Sioux Indian Community President Joseph O’Brien, follows a formal review of the district’s exemption request.

The Minnesota Legislature passed a law to end the use of Native mascots and other imagery in Minnesota public schools in 2023. Schools are allowed to apply for an exemption from the nearest federally recognized tribe.

The Lower Sioux Indian Community, headquartered in Morton, Minnesota, reviewed the information submitted by the district and determined the exemption was warranted. President O’Brien’s letter confirmed the Community’s decision, stating: “After careful review of the information submitted, the Community grants the requested exemption.”

“We are grateful for the thoughtful review conducted by the Lower Sioux Indian Community,” said Superintendent Shelly Bauer. “We remain committed to honoring the Blackhawks name with the dignity and pride it deserves and will continue to only use the image of the hawk as our mascot as we have done since 1993.”

The district’s pursuit of the formal exemption process demonstrates its commitment to engaging respectfully with Indigenous communities on matters of cultural significance. Superintendent Bauer submitted a formal exemption request to the Lower Sioux Indian Community Tribal Council, the closest neighboring federally recognized Tribal Nation. The request included required district information as outlined by the Minnesota Department of Education and an open invitation for the Tribal Council to ask questions or seek additional information.