February 20, 2003

Members of the Indian Guide Program,

As you all know, effective this fall, the National YMCA has decided to remove the Indian theme from our program. They have been receiving complaints from some Native American groups for many years, that also included lawsuits brought against individual Y’s. The National YMCA believes that this controversy and the threat of further litigation are tarnishing the program.

Until very recently, we did not have any reliable information about what would replace the Indian theme.

The National YMCA has now announced that our program will be called the "Y-Adventure Guides." The Adventure Guides program will closely mirror the YMCA Guides and Princess programs. The original program foundations (aims, purpose, goal, pledge, etc) remain almost untouched. The program components are virtually unchanged. All of the new program events, ceremonies, and rituals will still be the tools through which we fulfill our mission to develop a stronger relationship with our children.

I want to reassure you that all of our current Federation events will also continue. The Pumpkin Hunt, Bowling, Christmas Party, Roller Skating, Floor Hockey, Indoor Soccer, Kite Fly, and Cypress Cove outing do not use an Indian theme, so they do not need to be changed. Even the Canoe-on-Wheels event fits the Adventure Theme and will not be re-named. All of the Campouts and the Induction Ceremony will continue, but without any Indian theme references.

To facilitate a gradual and smooth transition, YOMECHAS Federation tribes will retain their current names during the 2003-2004 program year. The Indian-specific tribe names will be replaced in the 2004-2005 program year. Current members will not be required to change the decorations on their vests, and existing stocks of most patches will be used for activities even if they do reflect the Indian Theme. Beginning with the 2003-2004 program year, a new emblem will replace the existing Indian Head used by the YOMECHAS Federation. The use of Indian headdresses and feathers will be discontinued, and an alternate symbol of leadership will be developed to replace it.

I am holding a series of meetings with a transition committee made up of Federation officers, Nation representatives, and our YMCA staff. We are working together to address the many details that will result from this change. The purpose of our program will continue to be to foster companionship and understanding between parent and child.

Your comments are welcome, and can be forwarded by your tribe chief to your nation chief. They, or a representative from your nation will forward them to the transition committee. All updates will, in turn, be communicated to you through your nations and tribes. This message and future updates will also be posted on our website at www.yomechas.org.

Walter J. Skorupka,

Federation Chief