A white Republican U.S. senator from Montana, Steve Daines, is causing a revival of the bitter debate over the Washington Commanders’ former logo, which was tied to the racist slur “redskins.” Daines is withholding funding for the revitalization of RFK Stadium unless the NFL and the Commanders honor the former logo in some way. The original logo was designed by a member of the Blackfeet Nation, with some tribal members taking pride in it.
Daines’ fight for the logo is believed to be influenced by his friendship with the late Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a former Blackfeet Nation tribal chairman and designer of the logo. Despite advocating for Indigenous causes, Daines’ stance on the logo has faced criticism from Indigenous communities and experts who point out the harmful impacts of Native American mascots on children.
The logo, based on a former Blackfeet chief’s profile, was used from 1972 until it was retired in 2020. While Daines and the Commanders are in talks to find a way to honor the Wetzel family, Native American advocates argue that the use of the old logo perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Meanwhile, members of the Blackfeet Nation question why the community has not benefited more from the profits generated by the logo.
As the debate continues, Native American advocates stress the importance of equity and justice for Indigenous peoples while highlighting the lasting impacts of racist imagery on Native communities. Despite ongoing discussions, there are concerns about the lack of consultation with affected parties, including the descendants of the chief whose image was used in the logo.
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