They may not have made it to the Superbowl- but the “Washington Football team” has gotten a lot of attention this season- not so much for their performance on the field, but rather their refusal to change the name of their team.From FedEx Field to High School Football teams, pressure is increasing on teams to stop using American Indian names and mascots. The battle is playing out in stadiums, court rooms, and in the media. And some of America’s best known sports brands may be forced to change.

Featuring:  

Gregg Deal, member of Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, artist, activist; Suzan Shown Harjo, Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee advocate for American Indian rights; Fili Sagapolutele, congressional aide; David Grosso,DC councilmember; Sadie Makarechi Jerry Neuwirth, Michael Wright, Washington football fans; Robert Jordan, President and CEO Justin Siena High School; Dawson Del Dotto, Paul Brown, Sam Hoff, Lupe Padilla-Aguayo, current and former Justin Siena students; Scott Gabaldon, Tribal Chair Mishewal Wappo Tribe.

For More Information:

Gregg Deal

Mishewal Wappo Tribe of Alexander Valley 

The Florida State Seminoles: The Champions of Racist Mascots  

Houston school board bans race-based mascots

Oneida tribe calls for Washington Redskins name change

Why Republicans protect the ‘honor’ of offensive team names

Native American mascots: pride or prejudice

Change the Mascot

Justin Siena High School: New Mascot

The post Making Contact – Insult to Injury? American Indian Sports Mascots appeared first on KPFA.