NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS
APPLAUDS "REDSKINS" TRADEMARK CANCELLATION

April 2, 1999

Washington, D.C. - The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has long condemned the use of sports team "mascots" that claim to portray Native Americans and Native cultures in a positive light. For more than four decades NCAI's member tribes have collectively gone on record strongly opposing the use of such mascots. That stance continues as the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board reached its historic decision in the longstanding case to cancel federal protection of the trademark name "Redskins." The case was originally filed in 1992 by seven prominent Native Americans against the Washington professional football organization. The petitioners hope that without federal government certification, the name will be dropped in favor of one that does not offend Native peoples.

"I felt very confident in the way that the tribal testimony was presented and I am very pleased with the decision," stated NCAI Executive Director JoAnn K. Chase. "Although this practice continues in a number of communities throughout the country, I hope that with this decision in our favor the Appeal Board will move America closer to a society free from publically condoned racism and discrimination."

"These mascots in no way honor Native Americans, they are an unnecessary element of today's society and represent the last vestiges of a time thought long past when such stereotypes were commonplace, " said Chase. "These mascots and team names serve to perpetuate racism and bigotry toward Native Americans, just as 'Sambo' served to perpetuate racism and bigotry toward the African American community. We hope other sports teams with similar mascots and team names recognize the merit of this important decision and respond accordingly."

Although in recent years pressure against a number of sports teams at the high school, college and professional levels has been successful, the use of Native American "mascots"continues. To combat such negative stereotypes, NCAI's membership has united in full support of the petition to cancel the "Redskins" trademark, and has received support from other native and non-native organizations, including the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The Native American Rights Fund filed an amicus brief on behalf of NCAI and the petitioners' motion for cancellation.

Established in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest, largest and most representative national Indian organization devoted to promoting and protecting the rights of this country's 2.3 million American Indian and Alaska native people. More than 250 tribes claim active membership in the organization, which is dedicated to the preservation of tribal sovereignty and the continued viability of Indian tribal governments. Engaging the federal government in the executive, legislative and judicial branches, NCAI is involved with all issues and initiatives that may affect Indian tribes and peoples.

If you have any questions or if you need further information on this issue please contact NCAI at (202) 466-7767, or visit our website at www.ncai.org.

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