(202) 466-7767
 
  NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS CONDEMNS USE OF NATIVE AMERICAN "MASCOTS"  

Washington, D.C. - The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) strongly condemns the use of sports team "mascots" that claim to portray Native Americans and Native cultures in a positive light. The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board heard oral arguments today 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 am encouraged by the testimony presented today and I look forward to a favorable decision," stated NCAI President W. Ron Allen, who also is also Chairman of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe of Washington State. "Although I am saddened by many Americans not thinking about the dehumanizing effect of these 'mascots' on Native peoples, I hope that with a decision in our favor the Appeal Board can move America closer to a society free from publically condoned racism and discrimination."
 

"It is only with Native Americans that this practice continues," he adds. "It is a national insult and does nothing to honor the Native peoples of this country."
 

Although in recent years pressure has been brought against a number of sports teams at the high school, college and professional levels, 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 organizations. The Native American Rights Fund recently 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 nations. More than 225 tribes claim active membership in the organization, which is dedicated to the preservation of tribal sovereignty and the continued viability of India 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.
  * * *