MEDIA RELEASE

#NOTYOURMASCOT #CHANGETHENAME #NOHONORINRACISM RALLY

AGAINST THE WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM AT FEDEX FIELD
FOR RELEASE
December 16, 2014
Not Your Mascots
Tara Houska (612) 226-9404
Email info@notyourmascots.org
www.notyourmascots.org
Not Your Mascots, a 501(c)3 organization, is excited to announce its emergence as a newly formed nonprot that is dedicated to addressing the misappropriation of Indigenous identity and imagery through
education, advocacy, and media outreach eorts to provide comprehensive solutions that will end the use of
harmful native mascots and stereotypes. Not Your Mascots recognizes the need for cooperation and unity
between educational institutions, the media, and the general public in the creation of a future in which
society will be free of the harms of Native objectication.
Washington, D.C.: A coalition of Native organizations announce a march and rally to protest against the
Washington football team at FedEx Field in Landover, MD, on December 28, 2014. Several proponents of
the anti-mascot movement, including the National Congress of American Indians, the National Coalition
Against Racism in Sports and Media, Oneida Nation s Change the Mascot campaign, the American Indian
Movement, and Not Your Mascots invite tribal nations, organizations, and allies to join in a demonstration
against institutional racism.
As the Washington team s season comes to a dismal close, we call on Dan Snyder to claim a simple win:
change the name. Washington s ongoing use of a Native American slur and mascot promotes the
dehumanization, marginalization, and stereotyping of Native peoples.
The march will commence at 10am at FedEx Field, with a rally to follow. Ride shares, march route, etc. TBA.
EVENT INFORMATION: https://www.facebook.com/events/761143153977803/

Our clear message at the gathering to one of the most respected, and idolized American franchise, the NFL, as
Native people, we can no longer be dehumanized through stereotypes, mascotry, and team names. Its time that
the Washington Team from its dark past, be part of history for positive changes to honor and respect that no
racism or dehumanizing behavior through its fans, logos, and name is no longer acceptable with the NFL, and
that the NFL stands with people in equality. NFL has that responsibility, and can be part of a new era of
America, as a United frontline on Sundays that all come together as one without discrimination.
For generations, we have raised our voices sending that clear message, my mother did since the 70s, and with
todays modern social media, and technology, our voices are being heard.
We can no longer be ignored; our voices is still after generations is
loud and clear. We are human beings, a people of culture and
traditions, and we deserve the respect and dignity to live in peace,
and in tradition as native people, as first nations to these lands we all
share in America without the stigma we face through racism in the
national sports franchises. As an Anishinaabekwe I would never,
never call a relative a slurword, put on a headdress because it looks
cool. I would I ever wear a purple heart or my fathers decorated
honors, why? Because I did not earn it, and I show respect for our
elders, and ancestors for their sacrifices for our communities. Its
their honors, not ours to degrade as a comical costume or mascot.
I grew up being told its okay you are a squaw, Pocahontas, redskin,
horse thief, indian giver, and feather this feather that, and its not
acceptable but our society deems that we are a people of the past, not
a people with the past. The mascotry is degrading to our culture, pure
and simple. Every gesture, every beat on that drum is ceremony, and its our heart bleeding of our ancestors,
and the generations to be born, its not the tomahawk chop. We are living and breathing struggling to recapture
our lives to live in peace as native people. Its time out of respect, and honor, to listen to our wishes, and change
the names. change the mascots, and celebrate our culture in a dignified way, a good way, through learning, and
permission not just taking. We are a People, Not Your Mascots. - Sarah LittleRedfeather, Board Member,
Not Your Mascots
"The time has come to change the name. We have made our voices loud and clear. Dan Snyder and the NFL can
continue to pit fans against us and attempt to divide us as native nations, but it will not silence us. It will not
intimidate us into silence and complacency. We are a People-Not Your Mascots. " - Johnnie Jea, Board
Member, Not Your Mascots
People that defend racist team names, logos, and depictions say things like,you ought to be proud of the
"noble" icon on the side of the helmet; what a 'honorable' depiction of your people. NO! I reject this image
and standard-bearer. I will not be held captive by these false ideas, pictures and words. I get out and break free
from the identity it wants for me and my people. Racism, stereotyping and discrimination played and continue

to play dual roles in exploiting these images to dictate a false ideal. Add capitalism to the mix and youve got
big business profiting from the commodification of these fabricated forms. Day after day, month after month,
year upon year, costume after costume, game after game, over and over and over again with thousands of
permutations of the same old thing. Enough. Change the name now!" - Maggie Hundley, Board Member, Not
Your Mascots