The conversation around sports team’s controversial names and imagery has been one that’s been around for a long time. The Cleveland Indians, the Washington Redskins, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Edmonton Eskimos are some of the organizations that have taken heat on the subject.
Recently, it was announced that the Redskins’ name and logo would be under formal review, which (according to Adam Schefter) confirms that there will be a change to a non-Native American theme and name. North of the border, the Eskimos also announced that their name would be under review, essentially following the same trajectory for change.
In response to the controversy, and the resulting review, indigenous former NHLer Jordin Tootoo offered his thoughts on how the Eskimos should go about making their decisions.
To summarize, Tootoo reflected what some Inuk people have said in the past – that the name does not offend him personally. He also acknowledges that it could offend others, bringing back bad memories of oppression.
With so much weight surrounding the name, Tootoo concludes by suggesting that consultation of Inuk people is the most important part. Once the history of the name, and the reasoning behind the choice are properly defined, it will be easier to decide if change is necessary, and how to go about it if so.
(H/T Jordin Tootoo)
