West Virginia 4-H will develop alternatives to its practice of using Native American customs and imagery in camping and other educational programs, officials announced Friday (March 22). The action follows the recommendation of a national review team and several years of study and discussion.

“As difficult and emotional as this issue is for many people, we believe it is the right thing to do,”said Larry Cote, director of the West Virginia University Extension Service, which is responsible for 4-H in West Virginia.”The use of Native American culture is part of a long-standing and deeply rooted tradition among our 4-Hers. At the same time, we have listened to some very compelling testimony from Native Americans for whom this use of their culture is offensive and hurtful. We believe that now is the time to change.”

Earlier this month, the WVU Extension Service invited a group of national 4-H leaders to review the overall West Virginia 4-H program for the purpose of strengthening it. In the teams preliminary oral report, it offered a number of recommendations, including changing the practice of using Native American customs.

“In our 4-H program, we are responsible for teaching young people about character and respect,”Cote said.”Our program and the Native American customs we have used are well-intended and well-meaning, but its important that we dont teach children practices that in any way demean a race, perpetuate stereotypes or trivialize sacred customs. We think we can have a successful and enriching summer camping program without using Native American names and imagery.”

Cote said a statewide group of WVU Extension agents, adult volunteer 4-H leaders, young people who belong to 4-H and Native Americans have already begun to work on alternatives to the current system.

“Were forming a special group to bring together the best ideas from 4-H faculty, volunteers and young people for alternatives to the current system,”Cote said.”We expect that campers and volunteers will be much more creative in planning their own educational activities. So well collect the best ideas developed during the camping season and share them in the fall.”

Suggestions can be provided to the group via e-mail at 4Hsuggestions@mail.wvu.edu .

West Virginias 4-H program involves more than 44,000 youth and 6,000 adult volunteers. The program is supported by funding from the United States Department of Agriculture.

West Virginia is just one of several states that have used Native American customs in camping and educational programs. Of those, WVU may be the first in the nation to begin changing these practices.