I was encouraged to read the recent Gazette article “State reckons with its history: Efforts to change school mascots, state seal make slow, steady progress” [Jan. 9]. This is a needed and vital step to correct the way that Native Americans are portrayed in our state’s symbols so that these demonstrate the respect and honor that they deserve.

Although I am not Indigenous, I am offended by the symbolism in the current flag and seal and the way that they glorify past violence against Massachusetts’ Native community. We need to come to terms with the great harm that early settler leaders did to the Native Americans, and that they are not the heroes as they have been portrayed.

Other states, such as Minnesota, have created new flags and symbols that replaced previously negative portrayals of Native Americans. There needs to be a collaborative and respectful process of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people working together to make changes that we can all feel proud of.

Sidney Moss

Northampton