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List of sports team names and mascots derived from indigenous peoples

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Though mascots and names may seem trivial today, they are rooted in a legacy of assimilationist policies that reduced Indigenous cultures to simplified, non-threatening images for consumption.[1] The practice of deriving sports team names, imagery, and mascots from Indigenous peoples of North America is a significant phenomenon in the United States and Canada. From early European colonization onward, Indigenous peoples faced systematic displacement, violence, and cultural suppression, all intended to erode sovereignty and claim their lands for settlers.[1] The popularity of stereotypical representations of American Indians in global culture has led to a number of teams in Europe also adopting team names derived from Native Americans. While there are team names in North America derived from other ethnic groups, such as the Boston Celtics, the New York Yankees, the Montreal Canadiens, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, these are names selected by groups to represent themselves.

Globally, there are teams in Africa and Europe that use Native American images and logos, while in South America there are a number of teams that reference the Guaraní people. In Brazil, these teams may be referred to using the derogatory term "bugre".[2] The "Indian Wars" of the 17th to 19th centuries, in which the U.S. government authorized forced removals, land confiscations, and military campaigns against Indigenous nations, reinforced the view of Native Americans as an "enemy" to be conquered.[1] However, the adoption of Indigenous names in Asia, Africa, Australia and South America may indicate that the team members are themselves Indigenous.

The rise of Indigenous rights movements has led to controversy regarding the continuation of practices rooted in colonialism.[3] Using Indigenous names and mascots, like the former Washington Football Team name, extends beyond racial insensitivity; it reinforces colonialism and erases Indigenous identity and land.[1] Such practices maintain the power relationship between the dominant culture and the Indigenous culture, and can be seen as a form of cultural imperialism.[4] Policymakers formalized Indigenous erasure in the U.S. through measures like the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forcibly relocated thousands of Indigenous people, and the Dawes Act of 1887, which divided Indigenous communal lands.[1] Such practices are seen as particularly harmful in schools and universities, which have the stated purpose of promoting ethnic diversity and inclusion.[5]

In recognition of the responsibility of higher education to eliminate behaviors that creates a hostile environment for education, in 2005 the NCAA initiated a policy against "hostile and abusive" names and mascots that led to the change of many derived from Native American culture, with the exception of those that established an agreement with particular tribes for the use of their specific names. Other schools retain their names because they were founded for the education of Native Americans, and continue to have a significant number of Indigenous students. Though often framed as a racial issue, Kevin Bruyneel suggests that the debate over sports team names more accurately reflects a larger colonial agenda. He argues that these symbols remind us of Indigenous dispossession while marginalizing authentic Indigenous voices and histories.[1]

The trend towards the elimination of Indigenous names and mascots in local schools has been steady, with two thirds having been eliminated over the past 50 years according to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).[6] Founded in 1879, the Carlisle Indian Industrial School was part of a broader assimilation policy aimed at "killing the Indian, saving the man" by erasing Indigenous cultures and replacing them with Euro-American norms.[1] In a few states with significant Native American populations, change has been mandated by law, such in Maine,[7] Wisconsin,[8] Oregon,[9] and Washington.[10][11]

These policies dispossessed Indigenous people of their land and aimed to erase their cultural identities.[1] Little League International has updated its 2019 rulebook to include a statement prohibiting "the use of team names, mascots, nicknames or logos that are racially insensitive, derogatory or discriminatory in nature."[12] This decision has been applauded by the National Congress of American Indians.[13] These representations reinforce a colonial mindset by portraying Indigenous people as static historical figures rather than as contemporary, diverse communities.[1]

The Red Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, supported by groups like the American Indian Movement (AIM), challenged stereotypes, advocated for Indigenous sovereignty, and fought to end offensive Indigenous mascots. This period was critical in challenging colonial representations in mainstream culture, asserting Indigenous voices against centuries of imposed imagery. Only by acknowledging these colonial dynamics can society move toward respectful, non-exploitative representations of Indigenous peoples.[1]

Professional/Adult teams

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Current usage

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American football

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American 7s Football League
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  • New Jersey Savage
  • Spanktown Boyz - Uses a Native American wielding a tomahawk as its logo
  • Union City Chiefs

Association football

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Belgium

Brazil

See also: Guaraní people

Chile

  • Colo-Colo, Santiago de Chile. Name relates to the Mapuche
  • Lautaro, Buin. Also called Guerreros de Buín (Warriors Buín)

Ecuador

Paraguay

South Africa

Australian rules football

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All of these teams are composed of Indigenous Australians.

Baseball

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Major league
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See also: Major League Baseball
Further information: Venezuelan Professional Baseball League
Further information: Liga Mexicana del Pacífico
Minor league
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See also: Minor League Baseball

A Minor league team in Innisfail, Alberta, the "Indians", has made a decision to become the "Trappers".[17]

Affiliates of the Atlanta Braves:

Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates:

Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies:

Basketball

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All three existing National Basketball Association teams that previously used Indigenous imagery have stopped doing so. (See Prior usage list below).

Ice hockey

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Indoor soccer

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Lacrosse

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Rugby union

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Rugby league

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Other

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Prior pro usage

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Many professional teams changed because they moved to another city, or went out of business ("Defunct" in table below).

Team name Sport/League City, State Year Changed New Name Notes
Akron Indians National Football League Akron, Ohio Defunct Akron Pros Changed back to the Indians in 1926, then folded.
Brooklin Redmen Major Series Lacrosse Whitby, Ontario 2019 Brooklin Lacrosse Club
Buffalo Braves National Basketball Association Buffalo, New York 1978 Los Angeles Clippers Also the San Diego Clippers.
Burlington Indians Minor League Baseball Burlington, North Carolina 2006 Burlington Sock Puppets Changed affiliation from Cleveland Indians to Kansas City Royals.
Canton–Akron Indians Minor League Baseball Canton, Ohio 1997 Akron Aeros Rebranded upon relocation from Canton to Akron in 1997.
Cleveland Indians Major League Baseball Cleveland, Ohio 2021 Cleveland Guardians Were known as the Cleveland Indians from 1915 to 2021. Officially became the Cleveland Guardians on November 19, 2021.[21]
Cleveland Indians (1921) National Football League Cleveland, Ohio Defunct
Cleveland Indians (1931) National Football League Cleveland, Ohio Defunct
Danville Braves Minor League Baseball Danville, Virginia 2020 Appalachian League, including Danville baseball club, no longer affiliated with Atlanta Braves.[22]
Duluth Eskimos National Football League Duluth, Minnesota 1927 Defunct Also known as the Duluth "Kelleys".
Edmonton Eskimos Canadian Football League Edmonton, Alberta 2021 Edmonton Elks Renamed as the Edmonton Elks in 2021.[23][24]
Exeter Chiefs Premiership Rugby (Rugby union) Exeter, Devon, England 2022 NA Keeping their name, but American Indian logo replaced by an image that reflects Celtic origins.[25]
Flint Indians Michigan Baseball League Flint, Michigan 1941 N/A
Frölunda Indians Swedish Hockey League Gothenburg, Sweden 2021 Frölunda HC Renamed as Frölunda HC in 2021.[26]
Golden State Warriors National Basketball Association San Francisco, California 1971 N/A Originally Philadelphia Warriors, then San Francisco Warriors, dropped Indian imagery when they moved to Oakland.
Gwinnett Braves International League Lawrenceville, Georgia 2017 Gwinnett Stripers Originally Richmond Braves, renamed as Gwinnett Braves upon move, rebranded after 2017 season. The Stripers continue to be the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.[27]
Indios de Ciudad Juarez Minor League Baseball Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico 1984 Defunct
Indios de Ciudad Juarez Liga de Expansión MX Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico 2011 Dissolved
Johnstown Chiefs ECHL Johnstown, Pennsylvania 2010 Dissolved Changed to Greenville Road Warriors, 2015 changed to Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Kansas City Scouts National Hockey League Kansas City, Missouri 1976 Now the New Jersey Devils First moved to Colorado and became the "Rockies".
Kinston Indians Minor League Baseball Kinston, North Carolina 2012 N/A Replaced by the Carolina Mudcats.
Mexico City Aztecas Continental Basketball Association Mexico City Defunct Only one season: 1994–95.
Mississippi Braves Southern League (Minor League Baseball) Pearl, Mississippi 2024 Columbus Clingstones Retained Atlanta Braves affiliation
Moose Jaw Warriors Western Hockey League Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan 2021 N/A Name retained, but Native American logo replaced by airplane.
Oorang Indians National Football League LaRue, Ohio 1923 Defunct Consisting mostly of Native Americans.
Ottawa Tomahawks National Basketball League of Canada Ottawa 2013 Ottawa SkyHawks Name changed shortly after announced due to controversy, team folded after one season.
Portland Chinooks International Basketball League Portland, Oregon 2014 Folded
Portland Winterhawks Western Hockey League Portland, Oregon 2021 N/A Name retained, but Native American logo replaced by Hawk.[28]
Rome Braves South Atlantic League Rome, Georgia 2023 Rome Emperors
Salisbury Indians Minor League Baseball Salisbury, Maryland Defunct
Sheboygan Red Skins Basketball Sheboygan, Wisconsin 1952 Defunct
Springfield Indians American Hockey League Peoria, Illinois Rivermen First moved to Worcester and became the IceCats.
St. Regis Indians Major Series Lacrosse Akwesasne 2009 Folded
Streatham Redskins NIHL South Division 1 London, England 2016 Streatham Ice Hockey Club
Swift Current Indians Western Major Baseball League (East Division) Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada 2017 Swift Current 57's The team dropped the "Indians" name in 2016.[29]
Syracuse Chiefs Minor League Baseball Syracuse, New York 2019 Syracuse Mets New York Mets ownership drop the "Chiefs" name for 2019 season.[30]
Toronto Tecumsehs National Hockey Association Toronto, Ontario 1913 Toronto Ontarios Renamed the Toronto Shamrocks in 1915 and ceased operations later that year.
Tri-Cities "Blackhawks" National Basketball Association Moline, Illinois 1951 Atlanta Hawks Team was also the Milwaukee & St. Louis "Hawks".
Washington Redskins National Football League Landover, Maryland (Home Field) and Ashburn, Virginia (Headquarters) 2020 Washington Commanders Washington Football Team served as the interim team name for two years until February 2, 2022, when the new name "Commanders" was officially chosen.[31] Also see Washington Redskins name controversy.

Colleges and universities

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Main article: List of college sports team names and mascots derived from Indigenous peoples

Secondary schools

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Main article: List of secondary school sports team names and mascots derived from Indigenous peoples

Non-scholastic youth teams

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Baseball

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Association football

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American football

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Pop Warner Little Scholars

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Youth/Junior football

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Ice Hockey

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Lacrosse

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Wrestling

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  • Little Redskins, Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) sanctioned club (K-8th grade) in Morris, Illinois – Uses a version of the DC team logo[71]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Bruyneel, Kevin (2016). "Race, Colonialism, and the Politics of Indian Sports Names and Mascots: The Washington Football Team Case". Native American and Indigenous Studies. 3 (2): 1–24. doi:10.5749/natiindistudj.3.2.0001. JSTOR 10.5749/natiindistudj.3.2.0001. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  2. ^ Calum Trenaman (January 18, 2021). "Global sport's problem with the appropriation of Indigenous culture". CNN.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  3. ^ Pewewardy, Cornel (1999). "From enemy to mascot: The deculturation of Indian mascots in sports culture". Canadian Journal of Native Education. 23 (2): 176–189. ISSN 0710-1481. ProQuest 230304174.
  4. ^ Longwell-Grice, Robert; Hope Longwell-Grice (2003). "Chiefs, Braves, and Tomahawks: The Use of American Indians as University Mascots". NASPA Journal (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Inc.). 40 (3): 1–12. doi:10.2202/0027-6014.1255. ISSN 0027-6014.
  5. ^ "Statement of the United States Commission on Civil Rights on the use of Native American images and nicknames as sports symbols". 2001. Archived from the original on February 12, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  6. ^ "Anti-Defamation and Mascots". National Congress of American Indians. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  7. ^ Hauser, Christine (2019-05-22). "Maine Just Banned Native American Mascots. It's a Movement That's Inching Forward". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2020-08-24. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
  8. ^ Keen, Judy (Oct 7, 2010). "Wis. law lets residents challenge race-based mascots". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2011-08-05. Retrieved 2017-09-03.
  9. ^ "State Board of Education Bans Use of Native American Mascots". Oregon State Department of Education. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  10. ^ Abby Ellin (Sep 29, 2012). "Washington State Wants Schools to Ban Native American Mascots". ABC News. Archived from the original on 2013-10-24. Retrieved 2013-09-17.
  11. ^ "2012 Native American Mascot Resolution" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-19. Retrieved 2013-09-17.
  12. ^ "Rulebook Update". Little League International. Archived from the original on January 12, 2019. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
  13. ^ "NCAI Applauds Decision by Little League International to Ban Racially Offensive Team Names and Mascots". Alaska Native News. January 11, 2019. Archived from the original on January 11, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  14. ^ "Warpaint". Kansas City Chiefs. Archived from the original on December 14, 2014. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  15. ^ a b Andrew Keh (May 7, 2018). "Tomahawk Chops and Indian Mascots: In Europe, Teams Don't See a Problem". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  16. ^ "How the Atlanta Braves adopted the tomahawk chop from the Florida State Seminoles". 30 April 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  17. ^ The Canadian Press (November 28, 2016). "Innisfail Baseball Team Changes Name From 'Indians' To 'Trappers'". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on November 30, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
  18. ^ Reyes, Lorenzo. "Indianapolis Indians will keep team nickname, partner with local Native American tribe". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on 2023-02-23. Retrieved 2023-02-23.
  19. ^ "Affiliate Dance: 2020". Ballpark Digest. 26 May 2009. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  20. ^ Liam Britten (September 7, 2017). "Chilliwack hockey team retires 'inappropriate' mascot Chief Wannawin". CBC News. Archived from the original on September 8, 2017. Retrieved September 8, 2017.
  21. ^ Bell, Mandy (November 19, 2021). "Guardians era officially arrives in Cleveland". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 20, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  22. ^ Reichard, Kevin (December 9, 2020). "Fresno agrees to Cal League move; 120-team MiLB lineup complete". Ballparkdigest.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  23. ^ Esks Staff (July 21, 2020). "Edmonton Football Team Discontinues Use Of The Name Eskimos". Esks.com. CFL Enterprises LP. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  24. ^ Snowdon, Wallis (1 June 2021). "Edmonton Elks: CFL club announces new name". CBC News. Archived from the original on 14 July 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  25. ^ "Chiefs reveal new visual identity". Exeter Chiefs. January 27, 2022. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  26. ^ "Swedish ice hockey club to drop Native American logo". Reuters. September 17, 2020.
  27. ^ Cory McCartney (December 8, 2017). "Braves' Triple-A affiliate rebranded as Gwinnett Stripers". FOX Sports South. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  28. ^ Jared Cowley (July 14, 2021). "'It's time to take a step forward': Portland Winterhawks replace Native American logo and mascot". KGW. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  29. ^ "Swift Current, Sask., baseball team reveals new name for 'Indians':Sask. team rebranding follows similar decision in Alberta". CBC News. January 10, 2017.
  30. ^ Speddon, Zach (October 16, 2018). "New for 2019: Syracuse Mets". Ballpark Digest. Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
  31. ^ Keim, John (February 2, 2022). "Washington selects Commanders as new NFL team name after two-season process". espn.com. Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  32. ^ "Dornbirn Indians". Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  33. ^ Skokie Indians, Illinois Archived 2014-11-29 at the Wayback Machine
  34. ^ "RPLL: Redskins". Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  35. ^ Albemarle Redskins Virginia
  36. ^ Antioch Redskins Archived 2015-10-13 at the Wayback Machine
  37. ^ Bennetts Creek Warriors Archived 2014-08-10 at the Wayback Machine
  38. ^ Derby Red Raiders, CT Archived 2014-08-08 at the Wayback Machine
  39. ^ "East Bay Warriors, Oakland CA". Archived from the original on 2013-12-16. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
  40. ^ Fort Braden Chiefs, FL
  41. ^ Phoenix, AZ Archived 2014-11-29 at the Wayback Machine
  42. ^ Immokalee Seminoles, FL
  43. ^ Lower Sussex Indians, DE Archived 2012-04-21 at the Wayback Machine
  44. ^ "Nonnewaug Chiefs, CT". Archived from the original on 2014-01-04. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
  45. ^ Oak Cliff Redskins Archived 2015-03-02 at the Wayback Machine
  46. ^ Pomperaug Warriors, CT Archived 2017-02-11 at the Wayback Machine
  47. ^ Reynolds Corner Redskins, Toledo OH Archived 2014-11-29 at the Wayback Machine
  48. ^ Southeast Apaches, San Antonio, Texas
  49. ^ Southland Comanches, CO Archived 2013-10-15 at the Wayback Machine
  50. ^ Stratford Redskin, CT Archived 2014-11-29 at the Wayback Machine
  51. ^ Water Oak Indians, CT
  52. ^ Western Albemarle Chiefs
  53. ^ Willamette Redskins, Eugene OR Archived 2014-11-29 at the Wayback Machine
  54. ^ "Antioch Redskins, Plant City, Florida". Archived from the original on 2017-12-23. Retrieved 2017-12-23.
  55. ^ CLCF Chiefs Archived 2017-01-16 at the Wayback Machine
  56. ^ DeRon Talley (November 15, 2012). "D'ville Redskins headed to the Superbowl". The Donaldsonville Chief. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
  57. ^ Fauquier Youth Football, Fauquier County, Virginia Archived 2014-11-08 at the Wayback Machine
  58. ^ Grayling Redskins Youth Football Archived 2012-10-09 at the Wayback Machine
  59. ^ Kanawha Youth Football Redskins, Richmond, Virginia Archived 2014-08-08 at the Wayback Machine
  60. ^ Loudon Redskins Youth Football, Loudon, Tennessee
  61. ^ Patterson Redskins Football Archived 2014-12-18 at the Wayback Machine
  62. ^ Rochester Redskins, Rochester, Michigan
  63. ^ "Local Redskins youth league not feeling pressure to change name". WWSB. June 19, 2014. Archived from the original on August 30, 2017. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
  64. ^ South Cherokee Football and Cheer Archived 2014-01-04 at the Wayback Machine
  65. ^ Southwest Redskins, Houston, Texas Archived 2014-12-18 at the Wayback Machine
  66. ^ Sterling Heights Redskins
  67. ^ Vienna Youth Inc.
  68. ^ Washington Redskins Midget Football, Washington, New Jersey Archived 2014-08-10 at the Wayback Machine
  69. ^ Woonsocket Redskins Youth Football & Cheerleading Archived 2017-01-16 at the Wayback Machine
  70. ^ "Couple calls on Ontario government to ban Indigenous logos, mascots in schools". CBC News Ottawa. May 22, 2017. Archived from the original on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  71. ^ "Little Redskins". Archived from the original on 2015-08-12. Retrieved 2013-10-15.
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