Jun 2, 2016 - Rosebud Sioux Tribe Opposes “Redskins” Mascot

On May 25th, 2016, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe passed a motion opposing the “Washington National Football League (NFL) team using the name Redskins.”

According to a press release from the Office of the Rosebud Sioux Tribal President:

“The Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council went on record at the May 25th, 2016 council meeting and voted unanimously in favor of a motion that the Rosebud Sioux Tribe stands in opposition to the Washington National Football League (NFL) team using the name Redskins.

Furthermore, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe stands in opposition to any and all racist, derogatory, mascots and their likeness names, etc.., which are meant to dehumanize and belittle Native Americans.

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe will stand against racism and will not tolerate any team mascot claims under the guise that it is a means to honor Native Americans.”

The term “Redskins” is a dictionary-defined racial slur and its usage by the NFL team has been long opposed by Native peoples. Additionally, usage of other “Indian theme” related mascots has also drawn fierce opposition due largely to the racist behavior the accompanies Indian themed mascots such as, “face painting, war whooping, tomahawk chopping” and other derogatory behavior.

A State document offering a bounty reward of $200 for killing “Red-skins” meaning Native people.

By Matt Remle (Lakota) LRI editor/writer