![](https://www.indianz.com/News/2014/05/21/changethemascot.jpg)
The logo for the Change the Mascot campaign
Ted Quasula, a former head of law enforcement at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, calls on the Obama administration to boycott the National Native American Law Enforcement Association because its leader, Gary Edwards, also runs the Original Americans Foundation:
“To promote a positive attitude towards law enforcement in the American Indian community and other communities.” This is an objective of the National Native American Law Enforcement (NNALEA). The NNALEA logo includes the words Unity, Strength and Courage. In early 1993, the founding members of NNALEA carefully chose these words to express what NNALEA stands for. Unfortunately, the current head of NNALEA is well on the path of destroying NNALEA’s reputation and image. Gary Edwards is currently the CEO of NNALEA. Several months ago team owner Dan Snyder hired Mr. Edwards to be CEO of his newly created Original Americans Foundation or more appropriately called OAF. The Arizona Republic today reports that the Quechan Tribe refused money from OAF to build a skate park. In the same article Mr. Edwards is also noted as CEO of NNALEA. It is a shame that a once proud Native American law enforcement group be associated with the racist name, “redskins.” Mr. Edwards proudly defends the use of “redskins” in his video introducing OAF. It is unbelievable that the head of a Native American law enforcement association would simultaneously promote the use of the racist “redskins” name. It is equally unbelievable that current NNALEA board of directors, all federal law enforcement officers, apparently approve and condone Mr. Edwards’ actions. The NNALEA website is promoting its annual Las Vegas meeting/training session in August. I respectfully request that you take action to ensure that no taxpayer money is used for federal employees to attend. Furthermore, until NNALEA severs its ties with Mr. Edwards, I truly hope that tribal and federal law enforcement boycott NNALEA.Get the Story:
Ted Quasula: Open Letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Gary Edwards (Indian Country Today 8/4) Another Opinion:
Christopher L. Gasper: Redskins name needs to be changed (The Boston Globe 8/5) Also Today:
Redskins Owner Correctly Blames Team Name Controversy On Internet ‘Clicks’ (The Daily Caller 8/5)
DC Sports Bog: Daniel Snyder: People who talk about the name ‘Redskins’ are missing the point (The Washington Post 8/4)
Related Stories
Chippewa Cree Tribe takes
Original Americans Foundation money (08/01)Editorial: No rubes at Quechan Nation in saying no to NFL team (7/21)
Quechan Nation turns down 'bribe' from Washington NFL team (7/17)
Peter d'Errico: Washington team makes a colonial invasion (04/18)
Ted Quasula: Gary Edwards wrong to capitalize on racist slur (04/01)
BIA acknowledges 'failed' contract with head of team's foundation (3/31)
Column: Omaha Tribe gets odd gift from Washington team owner (3/31)
Omaha Tribe: 'No strings attached' to donation from foundation (3/28)
Head of Original Americans Foundation tied to BIA misspending (3/28)
Gyasi Ross: Football team owner offers 'hush money' on mascot (3/28)
Cherokee man serves as CEO of 'Original Americans Foundation' (3/26)
Column: Dan Snyder's new charity comes with strings attached (3/26)
Editorial: Helping Native people means changing racist mascot (3/26)
NCAI calls foundation a 'publicity stunt' by football team owner (3/25)
Football team owner announces 'Original Americans Foundation' (3/25)
Join the Conversation