Oakridge - The warriors, the braves, the indians, these are the names of some area high schools mascots. Many of them are rooted in long standing tradition. But for Native Americans, these names have other meanings. Now there are new recommendations that all high schools receiving state funding to eliminate Native American mascots and images

There are 16 high schools in our state with Native American images as their mascots. Some say it's a matter of respect for a culture, others say, it's harmful and degrading.

"We just got that Native American bust up there," points out Oakridge High School principal and superintendent Don Kordosky.

"When everybody comes into the auditorium, the first thing they'll see is a Native American carved statue and bench," shows Kordosky. "You just can't go anywhere without seeing the warrior in our school," says Kordosky.

Every where you turn in Oakridge High School, you come face to face with the warrior. A mascot rooted in 120 years of tradition.

"I believe our mascot symbolizes the attributes of a Warrior, that are held in high esteem, bravery, honesty, hard work a commitment. That's what we use them for in this school," says Kordosky.

It's a symbol that some feel is much more than that. "You're just desensitizing it to the degree that people are not looking at warriors and braves and native people as human beings, they're seeing them as images and logos," says James Florendo with L.C.C.'s Native American Programs coordinator.

Oakridge High's Principal Don Kordosky doesn't think their mascot is harmful. But an advisory committee wants his school, and others to find a new one.

If Oakridge High School has to change their mascot, they won't just have to change sweatshirts and jerseys, it could be quite an expensive adjustment.

"It's going to be a substantial financial impact to our district to change this. I mean every where you go and every corner of our building is based on warriors," says Kordosky.

But some say changing a name is more important than keeping the mascot. "If there is one family that is hurt or offended by this that's one too many," says Florendo.

Oakridge and 14 other high schools will meet on Tuesday to discuss the recommendation. A final recommendation is expected to be delivered to the state superintendent in November.