By Tony Fuller, KTVZ.COM

State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo plans to recommend 14 public schools in Oregon change their American Indian mascots.

But some native students in Madras tell me they they find it's not the actual mascot that's offensive, it's how schools choose to portray Indian mascots that bothers them and others.

Madras High is one public school in Oregon that does not have an Indian mascot, but the number of American Indian students there outnumbers any other school in Central Oregon.

"our students have dealt with this for a long time," said Foster Kalama. "Indian athletes have been taunted at other schools in the league for just being Indian."

The debate over American Indian mascots has divided the Indian community.

Jeff sanders, chairman of the Jefferson County School Board and a Warm Springs tribal member, says some people in the Indian community consider mascots as an honor.

"Take The Dalles Indians, for example," Sanders said. "Historically, that is a place where a lot of Indians originated, so it is something of honor."

But Robert Main, a senior basketball player at Madras, says the way they portray their mascot is disrespectful.

"They hold their hand up like a tomahawk and do these (chopping motions) and chants," Main said. "It makes them look stupid."

Rachell Herkshan agrees, bothered when non-Indians put on a headdress and show a lack of respect.

"They just dance around and holler, and it's just inaccurate and disrespectful," she said.

Historically, the White Buffalo, the mascot at Madras High, has been a symbol of Indian culture for tribes across the country.

Sanders said, "The white buffalo is something that represents native culture, but is a unique way to honor the people here, and it encompasses the entire community.

Madras High School chose its team name in the 1950's, after a native student who attended the public high school instead of the indian boarding school in Warm Springs won a contest choosing the white buffalo.

Kalama said, "It's something that is a good representation for all of our students, not just the Native American ones. It's a great learning tool.

After speaking with the Indian community, ordering schools to change Indian mascots isn't the answer - it's how school districts choose to represent American Indians.

"Look at the Burns Highlanders," Sanders said. "Ask the Scottish about how they are portrayed. I don't think they would be saying the same thing as Indian people."

The long-time fantasies surrounding Native American culture is what led schools to choose a chief, warrior, or a brave as their mascots, as a symbol of bravery and competition.