Rochester, MN — Rochester Public Schools (RPS) is pleased to announce that Dakota Middle School has received consent from the Prairie Island Indian Community to use the bison as the school’s mascot. This decision follows a request for an exemption from the state law prohibiting Native American-related mascots and logos.
The Minnesota State Legislature initially enacted a law in 2023 aimed at eliminating Native American mascots and logos in school districts. However, the law was later amended to allow schools to seek consent for an exemption from the closest federally-recognized Tribe and, if it exists, the district's American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC). RPS submitted its formal exemption request to the Prairie Island Indian Community on August 8, 2025. The request sought permission to continue using the Bison mascot and the associated design.
After a thorough process that included follow-up information and a meeting with the Rochester Public Schools AIPAC, the Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council officially granted its consent in a resolution dated November 12, 2025. This consent allows Dakota Middle School to continue using the Bison mascot under Minn. Stat. 121A.041, subd. 3.
The Bison mascot was originally chosen in 2022 after the district consulted with Native students and families, who ultimately selected the bison. The school's name, "Dakota," was also selected and approved by the AIPAC, meant to honor the Dakota people.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Prairie Island Indian Community for their thoughtful consideration and consent to our exemption request," said Rochester Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel. "Their decision allows us to continue honoring the Dakota people through a symbol, the bison, that was originally chosen in partnership with our American Indian Parent Advisory Committee and Native students. This outcome is a testament to the power of partnership and mutual respect, and we are deeply thankful to the Tribal Council and our AIPAC community for their collaboration throughout this process.”
The Tribal Council noted that the decision was made after evaluating the mascot's representation within the context and history of Dakota Middle School.
