Matthew Van Alstine, the director of Native American Programs at Central Michigan University, supports the NCAA's ban on Indian mascots during post-season tournaments.

The school's "Chippewas" mascot was placed on the NCAA's list. The school, with the support of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, has since won an exemption but Van Alstine supports the original decision.

"It puts the question out there and it is a step in the right direction," Van Alstine told Central Michigan Life.

Van Alstine is a member of the Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. He is an adjunct professor at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College.

Get the Story:
Indian nickname dispute not dead (Central Michigan Life 9/9)

NCAA Policy:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005)

Relevant Links:
Saginaw Chippewa Tribe - http://www.sagchip.org
Central Michigan University - http://www.cmich.edu
NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee - http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/
membership/governance/assoc-wide/moic/index.html
National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media - http://www.aimovement.org/ncrsm

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