Oct 16, 2014 - #NotYourMascot Minnesota to Rally Against the Washington “R*dskins”

Press Release
Media Contact: Jason Elias (763)458-7289

For Immediate Release

October 15, 2014

#NotYourMascot March/Rally to TCF Stadium: Minnesota Native Community and supporters join national campaign against Washington team

Minneapolis, MN. #NotYourMascot has announced a march and rally to protest against the Washington “Redskins” at their scheduled game with the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Stadium on November 2.

#NotYourMascot is a coalition of grassroots organizations including Idle No More – Twin Cities, AIM – Twin Cities, AIM Patrol of Minneapolis, United Urban Warrior Society, Idle No More – Wisconsin, Protect Our Manoomin, Twin Cities Save the Kids, Minnesota Two Spirit Society and several other organizations.

The march and rally against the Washington team is a response to Dan Snyder’s refusal to change the team’s name and mascot. “Redskins” is an offensive racial slur and stereotype. The continued use of mascots and team names in sports has resulted in widespread racial, cultural, and spiritual stereotyping that promotes hatred and disrespect toward Native people.

Opposition to the Washington team name includes numerous tribal organizations and tribal leaders, the National Congress of American Indians, the U.S. Congress, President Obama, civil rights and religious groups, and players and icons in the sports industry.

In April 2014, U.N. Special Rapporteur James Anaya said: “I urge the team owners to consider that the term ‘redskin’ for many is inextricably linked to a history of suffering and dispossession, and that it is understood to be a pejorative and disparaging term that fails to respect and honour the historical and cultural legacy of the Native Americans in the US.”

#NotYourMascot will start gathering at 9:30 a.m. on November 2 at American Indian OIC, 1845 East Franklin, Minneapolis, MN. The march will commence at 10:00 a.m. end with a rally at TCF Stadium.

EVENT INFORMATION: https://www.facebook.com/events/706699092737997/725473140860592/?notif_t=like