For #NFLSalute & Native American Heritage month, the #Redskins celebrate & honor members of the Navajo Code Talkers pic.twitter.com/Cjn7f6wTgk

— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) November 26, 2013

Leaders of the Navajo Nation are taking action against the use of "disparaging" names in sports.

The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission approved a resolution that calls on the Navajo Nation Council to oppose the use of mascots by professional sports teams. Delegate Lavar Butler introduced legislation to do just that.

"The use of terms referencing Native Americans in professional sports has a negative psychological effect on Native Americans, such as promoting low self-esteem and self-image in Native youth who are already disadvantaged by social ills beyond their control," Butler's bill states.

The bill says meetings between the Navajo Code Talkers Association and the Washington professional football team have led people to believe that the Navajo Nation accepts disparaging mascots. Butler wants to clarify the tribe's stance.

Get the Story:
Navajo Council Member Introduces Anti-Redskins Bill (Indian Country Today 3/13)
Resolution and legislation ask Navajo Nation council to oppose offensive sports names (The Farmington Daily Times 3/11)

Related Stories:
Bill in Maryland urges new name for Washington football team (3/12)
Jacqueline Keeler: Peter MacDonald doesn't speak for Navajos (3/11)
ThinkProgress: Sen. Cantwell hosted meeting on racist mascot (3/11)
Churches propose boycott of Washington team for racist mascot (03/03)