When I attended the 20th Annual Arizona Legislative Day at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 20 I did not expect to run into Mr. Shelly. I went to educate tribal leaders in Arizona about stereotypes of our Native people. I also went to talk to our local senators as well as our congressmen and congresswomen about the issue as well. It was good to see so much support for the Change the Name movement. Many tribal members and legislative folks knew about the issue. The support was there and it was great to see.

At the end of the opening ceremony, I ran into Shelly. At first meeting he was nice, kind, and inviting, that was until he realized who I was. It took a minute, but then he said, “Oh I see,” and he put his head down and smiled. He then blurted, “I don’t see anything wrong with it! I love being called a R*dsk*n!” People began to watch. A gentleman came around and appeared to be very interested in what we were talking about (my guess, he was a lawyer). I was kind of embarrassed at his response and I lowered my voice and spoke softer as I attempted to remind this president that the Navajo Nation Council passed a resolution against the R-word and there is a tremendous amount of response and opposition for the name in Indian country. Shelly cut me off stating, “The youth are all OK with it! If we get rid of it then we have to get rid of all of the mascots. To me, I don’t see anything wrong with it. I am proud of it.”

I then again attempted to talk about how the mascots on the Navajo Nation are up to the Navajo to decide and that the Natives have no ownership with the Washington football team. He cut me off again by turning to his side in an attempt to walk off. He stated, “Well, have a good day.” I then said, “Mr. President, I just want to say, the gentleman inside (during the opening ceremony) spoke about listening to our youth, understanding our youth, and taking care of our youth. I feel I am still in a youth and I am asking you to please re-consider the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise involvement with the Washington team.” He stated, “Have a good day,” and turned to his wife and walked off.