Indianapolis Indians Minor League Baseball Team Refuses to Change Name Despite Backlash
Many sports teams have used traditional nicknames to create new identities over the years. Indigenous groups have voiced disapproval at monikers such as Redskins or mascots such as Chief Wahoo. They have lobbied for a change. They’ve often been successful in most cases.
However, the Indianapolis Indians aren’t changing their mind. They have remained consistent and said they won’t be moving up any time soon.
Indianapolis is the Triple A affiliate for the a href=”https://twitter.com/Pirates”>Pittsburgh PiratesThey have also announced that the team’s nickname for the 2023-2024 seasons will be kept. There was no further announcement. This name has been used in Indianapolis since 1902.
In the interim, the team announced a partnership to the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana.
Many teams that have been identified as belonging to a tribal affiliation have reached this out in order to help their Native American neighbors. Florida State has, for instance, maintained an extended agreement to the Seminole Nation in order to respect certain traditions and observe certain customs.
The Indianapolis Indians are trying to find a way to work together in a similar situation.
While some may think it is a PR stunt on the club’s behalf, their management stated that it was more about honoring and preserving the legacy of the local Indigenous community.
“We are pleased to work with the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana to help educate our fans about the rich history and culture of its tribe,” Bruce Schumacher, Indianapolis CEO and Chairman. “We look forward to using our platform to educate our fans by acknowledging, uplifting, and honoring those upon whose ancestral lands Victory Field is built.”
Brian Buchanan, Chief of the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana sent flowers to the team, as well, to show that everything is good between them.
“We are grateful to the Indianapolis Indians for the opportunity to share our story with Hoosiers throughout central Indiana,” He stated.
For now, Indianapolis appears to be in a stable position. However, it will still be subject to criticism. Protests are expected to continue when the Indianapolis Indians play their first game on March 31.
Two professional teams have changed their names to reflect the inclusion of indigenous peoples since 2020. Major League Baseball saw the Cleveland organization move from the Indians into the Guardians.
But, it was the name change of the NFL’s Washington Commanders that attracted the most attention. Owner Daniel Snyder was the Redskins after being called them since 1933. Famously vowed to never re-brand the team He eventually caved, re-introducing them as ‘The Washington Football Team’ for two seasons. In 2022, they became the Commanders.
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