The Chicago Blackhawks will keep their name and logo but are committing to “raising the bar even higher” in their efforts to increase awareness of Native American culture, according to a team statement released Tuesday.
The statement comes after the NFL’s Washington Redskins and MLB’s Cleveland Indians both announced intentions last week to consider changing their own Native American names and logos.
The Hawks’ statement can be read in its entirety here:
The Chicago Blackhawks name and logo symbolizes an important and historic person, Black Hawk of Illinois’ Sac & Fox Nation, whose leadership and life has inspired generations of Native Americans, veterans and the public.
We celebrate Black Hawk’s legacy by offering ongoing reverent examples of Native American culture, traditions and contributions, providing a platform for genuine dialogue with local and national Native American groups. As the team’s popularity grew over the past decade, so did that platform and our work with these important organizations.”
We recognize there is a fine line between respect and disrespect, and we commend other teams for their willingness to engage in that conversation.
Moving forward, we are committed to raising the bar even higher to expand awareness of Black Hawk and the important contributions of all Native American people.
We will continue to serve as stewards of our name and identity, and will do so with a commitment to evolve. Our endeavors in this area have been sincere and multi-faceted, and the path forward will draw on that experience to grow as an organization and expand our efforts.
The Hawks frequently honor Native Americans with pregame ovations and intermission performances.
But other Native American groups in Illinois have publicly denounced the Hawks’ name and logo for perpetuating racist stereotypes.
The renewed discussion about Native American names in sports was especially reignited last Friday, when the Redskins announced they will “undergo a thorough review of the team’s name.”
The Indians followed with their own announcement later Friday, stating they will “determine the best path forward with regard to our team name.”
