The Monroe Warhawks mascot is a prominent symbol at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). The Warhawks mascot is representative of the university's athletic teams, known as the ULM Warhawks. The Warhawks mascot is a fierce bird with a determined expression and strong wings. It signifies strength, unity, and a fighting spirit, qualities that the athletes of ULM embody on the field, court, or any other competitive setting. The choice of the Warhawks as the university's mascot dates back to 2006 when ULM decided to change its athletics nickname. The previous nickname, the Indians, was retired in an effort to respect and honor Native American cultures and promote inclusivity.
Morrin says it has become a peaceful place for people to unload their personal burdens.
The information is provided and collected by the Lake Superior Circle Tour Adventure Guide and while our endeavour is to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. One of the stories of the Witch Tree that I ve read suggests the tree was a woman who had a vision and found her way to Hat Point to serve as a lookout for a change white man that was coming via Superior.
The previous nickname, the Indians, was retired in an effort to respect and honor Native American cultures and promote inclusivity. The Warhawks mascot has since become an integral part of ULM's identity, appearing at various athletic events and rallies. This symbol not only represents the university's athletics but also unites the ULM community, instilling a sense of pride and camaraderie.
Manido Gizhigans, Spirit Little Cedar Tree, the Witch Tree
FTC Required Disclosure: We may earn commissions if you shop through the links below.
Manido Gizhigans, which is translated into English as Spirit Little Cedar Tree or commonly known as the Witch Tree, is a white cedar tree seemly growing out of a rock. It’s located on Lake Superior near Grand Portage. It is over 300 years old. Paddlers should leave a pinch of tobacco as an offering to help protect them on long journeys on Lake Superior.
One of the stories of the Witch Tree that I’ve read suggests the tree was a woman who had a vision and found her way to Hat Point to serve as a lookout for a change (white man) that was coming via Superior. That story struck a cord with me, because when I look at the tree it seems to be serving as a lookout. (From Northern Lites: A Fireside Reading Companion (Mysteries & Horror) .)
Ilena in a reproduction of the 1959 Kenneth Taylor kayak near The Narrow. Pigeon Point, MN.
Several times, I’ve paddled out to the Witch Tree on my way to the Susie Islands. The Susies are 13 rocky islands mainly owned by the Grand Portage Reservation, but also by the Nature Conservancy. On the Nature Conservancy’s island, there’s rumored to be an interesting old mine. Paddling past the islands is one of the most exciting trips on the MN north shore. A one-way 15-mile paddle will take experts from the Fort at Grand Portage around Hat Point through the Susies and around Pigeon Point to a take just the US side of the US/Canadian border. A hard but short portage at “The Narrows” allows Pigeon Point to be skipped.
The Witch Tree as it is commonly known, also called Manido Giizhigance, or Little Cedar Spirit Tree by the Ojibwa Indian tribe is an ancient Thuja occidentalis growing on the shore of Lake Superior in Cook County, Minnesota. The earliest written records of the tree by Europeans in the Americas are by French explorer Sieur de la Verendrye in 1731, who commented on the tree as a mature tree at that time, making it at least 300 years old today.[1] The tree is held sacred by the Ojibwe, who traditionally leave offerings of tobacco to ensure a safe journey on Lake Superior. Due to its sacred nature and vandalism problems in the past, the tree is considered off limits to visitors unless accompanied by a local Ojibwe band member.
The tree is small for a mature conifer, as it is growing out of bare rock on the shoreline. Its gnarled, stunted, and twisting branches have been the subject of many photographs.
Additional Resources
- Great Lakes National Program’s Visualize the Great Lakes has a picture of the Witch Tree.
- Travis Novitsky, a Grand Portage native, has photographed the tree extensively. His site is worth visiting.
- Some friends at the Wilderness Classroom visited the Witch Tree on one of their adventures.
Map
PLEASE NOTE: Access to the Spirit Tree is restricted. The Grand Portage Reservation has closed the trail to public usage to help protect the tree. Access is only permitted by taking a guided tour with a naturalist from the Grand Portage Lodge.
Share this:
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to print (Opens in new window)
Grand Portage
The selection of the Warhawks as the new mascot was influenced by the powerful bird's association with strength, speed, and bravery. These qualities align with the university's values and aspirations for its student-athletes. Furthermore, the Warhawks mascot serves as a source of inspiration for ULM students and fans alike. It embodies the dedication, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence that characterizes the university's athletes. Whether it is on the football field, basketball court, or any other sporting arena, the Warhawks mascot stands as a symbol of resilience and tenacity. It rallies the ULM community behind its teams, creating an atmosphere of excitement and support. In recent years, the Warhawks mascot has garnered recognition and support from fans and alumni, further solidifying its position as an enduring symbol of ULM pride. In conclusion, the Monroe Warhawks mascot is a significant representation of the University of Louisiana at Monroe's athletics program. It embodies strength, unity, and a fighting spirit while unifying the ULM community. The mascot serves as a source of inspiration, reflecting the dedication and determination of ULM's student-athletes..
Reviews for "The Symbolism of the Monroe Warhawks Mascot"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the choice of the Monroe Warhawks mascot. It lacks creativity and originality. There are already so many schools with similar hawk mascots. It feels like they just chose the first thing that came to mind without putting much thought into it. I was hoping for something more unique and representative of the school's values and spirit.
2. Emily - 1 star - I have to say, the Monroe Warhawks mascot is just plain unappealing. It's a poorly designed and uninspiring character. The colors are dull and it lacks any sense of energy or excitement. It doesn't capture the attention of students or fans at all, and it certainly doesn't create a lively atmosphere during games or events. I feel like the school missed a great opportunity to create a mascot that could truly rally the students and fans behind the team.
3. Alex - 3 stars - I wasn't a fan of the decision to name the Monroe Warhawks mascot. It just doesn't have a strong connection to the school or its history. I feel like the name was chosen without much consideration for what it represents. A more thought-out and meaningful name could have really added to the school's identity and pride. Overall, I think the choice of mascot and its name was a missed opportunity for Monroe High School.
4. Sarah - 2 stars - The Monroe Warhawks mascot just doesn't make any sense to me. It feels like a random combination of words that doesn't really connect to the school or its sports teams. It's confusing and doesn't create a strong image or identity for the school. I think they could have come up with a much better and more meaningful mascot that would resonate with students, alumni, and the community.