MADISON, Wis. -- Native American leaders used the first-ever State of the Tribes address Tuesday to call on the state Legislature for action to ban school nicknames, such as the Waunakee Warriors, the Osseo-Fairchild Chieftains, the Poynette Indians, the Belmont Braves and the Potosi Chieftains.

Eleven tribal nations walked into the state Assembly chambers on what will be a historic day. Ray Deperry, chairman of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewas, spoke almost the entire 30 minutes about cooperation from nation to nation, and in the last few minutes he asked state legislators to end discrimination.

"To enact legislation from our public school systems that will eliminate once and for all the use of Indian logos, mascots and any other stereotypical images of American Indians," Deperry said.

His speech was met with cheers from Native Americans filling the spectator area of the chamber.

Two people from the Osseo-Fairchild District went to the capital to listen to the tribal leaders' address, saying they have been waiting for the issue to resurface.

"We were so happy to hear him address that," said Carol Gunderson, a member of the Oneida Nation and of the Osseo-Fairchild School District. "They don't seem to have a clue that they're making fun and using our religious symbols for frivolous athletic games."

Gunderson and her husband, Harvey, are about to file a federal civil rights lawsuit to force a change, reported WISC-TV.

"The Legislature needs to step up to the plate and say this discrimination has to end," Harvey said.

Assembly Speaker John Gard, R-Peshtigo, said, "We need to have a greater level of sensitivity to it," and if a majority of legislators supports it he won't stand in the way. However, that could be a big cut into local control.

"What all of us must never lose sight of ... whether we are black, white, brown or yellow is that we all belong to the state of humanity, and that is what this day is truly about," Deperry said.

Deperry said the discrimination goes beyond school nicknames. He also pointed out the Monona debate over changing the name of Squaw Bay.

The Monona City Council put off a decision on that Monday night.

Deperry said he applauds the effort to change the name.

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List Of Wisconsin Tribes