While on vacation in Sedona, AZ this past winter, I had the pleasure of meeting and listening to Brian Benally. He is a Navajo tribe elder and renowned American native flute player who gives very open and candid talks about his Indian heritage. When asked about this very topic, Brian said that in his opinion, the reason sports teams have had a long history of choosing "Indian" terms and symbols for naming their teams was to draw upon the strength and pride associated with them and he feels honoured as such. Wow, what a notion! Are some people so insecure in their own heritage that the mere thought of someone else wearing a feather or two is disrespectful? Should First Nations people be frowned upon for wearing cowboy hats? Why can't we just all get along and celebrate each other's proud heritage?Get the Story:
Lyle Drew: U of R controversy (The Regina Leader-Post 3/19)
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