In the 1960’s, George Allen teamed up with Paul “Dizzy” Trout and others to create the Red Cloud Athletic Fund in Illinois. It was a generous, independent entity that worked to support athletics at Red Cloud Indian School at one time and benefited hundreds of our students. However, Red Cloud Indian School was not involved in conversations around an emblem for the Washington Redskins football team. As an organization, Red Cloud Indian School has never—and will never—endorse the use of the name “Redskins.” Like many Native American organizations across the country, members of our staff and extended community find the name offensive. Although we were encouraged to hear that National Football League representatives met with the Oneida Nation to discuss the name’s derogatory nature, more must be done. We call on Dan Snyder and managers to engage in further discussion with Native groups across the country and, ultimately, to move toward changing the name, once and for all. Today, a major part of Red Cloud Indian School’s mission is to honor, celebrate and protect Lakota culture through our K-12 Lakota language curriculum, our Lakota studies program, and our support of Lakota artists through The Heritage Center. We stand against any abuse or appropriation of Native history, culture or heritage—and we believe the use of the name “Redskins” falls into that category.Get the Story:
Letter from Red Cloud Indian School on the Washington Redskins name (The Washington Post 10/12) Also Today:
Indian school officials raise questions about Dan Snyder’s account of Redskins emblem (The Washington Post 10/13)
Mike Florio: Effort to defend Redskins name continues to backfire (NBC Sports 10/13)
Oneida Indian Nation urges Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to rewrite ‘misleading and inaccurate’ letter (The New York Daily News 10/14) Related Stories:
Column: The real letter from Washington football team owner (10/11)
Change the Mascot spot features President Obama, Rep. Cole (10/11)
Activists call for ban on Washington team name in Minnesota (10/11)
Suzan Shown Harjo still leading battle against racist mascots (10/10)
Washington team owner defends racist name in letter to fans (10/10)
Opinion: Ray Halbritter not a legitimate Oneida Nation leader (10/10)
AP can't find opponents of racist mascots in Indian Country (10/9)
NFL commissioner again calls for Washington team to 'listen' (10/9)
Column: Changes afoot for Washington football team mascot (10/9)
Column: It's time to retire racist Washington football mascot (10/9)
Opinion: NFL players can show leadership on racist mascots (10/9)
NFL set to meet with Oneida Nation to discuss racist mascot (10/8)
Mike Wise: Never may come sooner for Washington mascot (10/8)
Opinion: Owner of Washington football team in deep trouble (10/8)
Blog: Here's how to get rid of Washington's football mascot (10/8)
President Obama weighs in on Washington mascot debate (10/7)
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