WASHINGTON, DC | Today, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
welcomed the Washington NFL team’s announcement this morning of its plan
to conduct a “thorough review” of the team’s name and mascot, which
represents an important breakthrough for Indian Country in its
longstanding effort to change the name and mascot.
“We are encouraged by the Washington NFL team’s announcement that it
will conduct a ‘thorough review’ of the team’s name and mascot. This
moment has been 87 years in the making, and we have reached this moment
thanks to decades of tireless efforts by tribal leaders, advocates,
citizens, and partners to educate America about the origins and meaning
of the R-word,” said NCAI President Fawn Sharp. “NCAI looks forward to
immediately commencing discussions with the league and team about how
they will change the team’s name and mascot, and a prompt timetable for
doing so. Indian Country deserves nothing less. The time to change is
now.”
NCAI is the oldest, largest, and most representative national
organization serving American Indian and Alaska Native tribal nations
and their citizens, and has been leading Indian Country’s movement to
eradicate offensive Native “themed” mascots from sports and popular
culture for more than 50 years.
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About the National Congress of American Indians: Founded in 1944, the
National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest and most
representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization in the
country. NCAI advocates on behalf of tribal governments and communities,
promoting strong tribal-federal government-to-government policies, and
promoting a better understanding among the general public regarding
American Indian and Alaska Native governments, people and rights. For
more information, visit www.ncai.org.