BANGOR, Maine — The use of Indian nicknames for sports teams will be the topic of a symposium in Bangor.

The free symposium will feature panels including representatives from Maine’s four Native American tribes, media representatives, school administrators, students and community members.

The event will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday at the Bangor Public Library.

In April, 2001, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights recommended that all non-Native American schools drop their Native American mascots or nicknames. The commission declared that their use encourages biases and prejudices that have a negative effect on contemporary Indian people.

Sponsors say that to date, more than 220 schools, colleges and institutions have eliminated Native American nicknames and mascots.

For in-depth coverage of this issue, pick up tomorrow’s Bangor Daily News or read the story on bangordailynews.com