Based on the passage of House Bill 1356 (HB 1356), and its effective date of July 25, 2021, Tolt Middle School will be required to change the “Thunderbird” name, logo, and any images associated with the likeness of the Thunderbird. The Riverview Learning Center will need to change a Northwest Coast Indian-inspired logo depicting a raven, though the school will remain connected to the “Ravens” name.
Specifically, HB 1356 states, “Except as provided otherwise in this section, beginning January 1, 2022, public schools may not use Native American names, symbols, or images as school mascots, logos, or team names.”
Tolt Middle School administration will be working with staff and students to come up with a new animal-based name going forward. A committee that includes students, parents, and staff members will be responsible for leading the process.
For the Riverview Learning Center, it is much simpler. The raven will continue to be the animal-based name, symbol, and image. The existing logo, inspired by the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and British Columbia, will be removed from use.
Riverview Superintendent Dr. Anthony Smith stated: “We are proud of Tolt Middle School’s past and how the Thunderbird symbol has been used to represent the school’s pride, spirit, and inclusive history. Riverview is proud of its positive relationship with our local Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, and I look forward to supporting the process at Tolt for selecting a new animal name, logo, and mascot. Our next image will continue to evoke school spirit, pride, and inclusiveness.”
To see the entire HB 1356, please click below: