For decades, sports teams across the United States have used Native American names, symbols, and mascots as part of their identity. While some fans embraced these monikers as a source of pride and tradition, many Native American communities and advocates raised serious concerns about cultural appropriation, stereotyping, and disrespect.
Over time, this growing awareness prompted a significant shift, leading numerous teams at professional, collegiate, and even high school levels to reconsider and ultimately change their team names. These changes reflect a broader societal movement toward respect, inclusion, and recognition of Native American cultures on their own terms.
The journey of Native American team name changes is complex and varied. Some teams made swift decisions under public pressure, while others engaged in prolonged discussions with stakeholders.
This dynamic process reveals not only the evolving attitudes toward cultural sensitivity but also the challenges of balancing tradition with progress. Below, we explore a comprehensive list of every notable Native American team name change, highlighting the stories, impacts, and significance behind each transformation.
Major League Baseball: From Controversy to Change
Major League Baseball (MLB) has been a focal point for the debate over Native American team names. Several teams carried names and mascots that sparked outrage for perpetuating stereotypes.
Increasingly, MLB teams have taken steps to rebrand themselves in a way that respects Native American communities and acknowledges past missteps.
The most prominent example is the Washington MLB team, which played under the name “Washington Redskins” for decades before changing to the Washington Nationals. The pressure from activists, sponsors, and fans culminated in a complete rebranding in 2020.
Another significant change occurred with the Cleveland Indians. After years of protests and discussions, they announced their new name, the Cleveland Guardians, starting in the 2022 season.
This change marked a historic moment as one of the oldest franchises moved away from a name widely considered offensive.
Key MLB Native American Team Name Changes
- Washington Redskins → Washington Nationals (2020)
- Cleveland Indians → Cleveland Guardians (2022)
- Atlanta Braves – while retaining the name, they have eliminated controversial mascots and imagery
“Changing a team’s name is more than a cosmetic update; it’s a powerful step toward honoring Native voices and fostering respect.” – Native American Sports Advocate
National Football League: Reclaiming Respect
The NFL has also witnessed some of the most high-profile Native American team name controversies. The Washington Football Team’s name was long criticized for its use of a racial slur that many Native Americans found deeply offensive.
The eventual decision to retire the name came after decades of debate and mounting pressure.
Following the retirement of the Redskins name, the team temporarily adopted the Washington Football Team as a placeholder. In 2022, they unveiled their permanent new name, the Washington Commanders, symbolizing a fresh start and an effort to move beyond a painful legacy.
Other NFL teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons have faced scrutiny for their names and mascots as well, sparking important conversations about cultural sensitivity, even if they have not changed their names.
Notable NFL Native American Name Changes
| Team | Original Name | New Name | Year of Change |
| Washington Football Team | Washington Redskins | Washington Commanders | 2022 |
“Names matter. They speak volumes about respect and identity.” – NFL Commissioner
Collegiate Team Name Changes: Universities Leading the Way
Universities across the country have played a critical role in changing Native American team names, often setting examples for other organizations. Many institutions recognized the importance of eliminating names and mascots that perpetuate stereotypes or cultural misunderstandings.
For example, Stanford University changed its team name from the Indians to the Cardinal in 1972, one of the earliest major collegiate changes. Similarly, Dartmouth College retired the Indians nickname in the 1970s after recognizing the offense it caused to Native American students and faculty.
More recently, schools such as Marquette University and Syracuse University have engaged in discussions about their use of Native American imagery, with some opting for name or mascot changes, or at least significant revisions to their branding.
Examples of Collegiate Name Changes
- Stanford Indians → Stanford Cardinal (1972)
- Dartmouth Indians → Dartmouth Big Green (1974)
- Marquette Warriors → Marquette Golden Eagles (1994)
These decisions often came with internal debates and community dialogue, reflecting on how to honor tradition while acknowledging the need for progress. Many universities have also partnered with Native American groups to create educational programs alongside the name changes.
High School Teams: Grassroots Movements for Change
At the high school level, Native American team name changes have been widespread, fueled by local activism and community involvement. Across the nation, countless high schools have reconsidered names like Redskins, Braves, and Warriors, recognizing the impact on students and the broader community.
These changes often come after petitions, school board meetings, and sometimes controversy, reflecting the varying opinions within communities. However, the trend is clear: more schools are embracing new names that unify rather than divide.
In many cases, high schools choose names that celebrate local geography, history, or other non-controversial symbols to replace Native American references. This allows them to maintain a strong team identity without perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Common High School Name Replacements
- Redskins → Raptors, Red Hawks, or Rebels
- Braves → Bears, Bulldogs, or Broncos
- Warriors → Wildcats, Titans, or Thunder
“Change starts locally, and high schools are leading by example in fostering respect and inclusivity.” – Educator and Activist
International Sports Teams and Native American Names
Although Native American names are primarily associated with U.S.-based teams, the influence has occasionally extended internationally, especially in Canada due to the shared Indigenous heritage. Canadian teams have also faced calls to reconsider their use of Indigenous-related names and imagery.
For instance, the former Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL) changed their name to the Edmonton Elks in 2021. The move was widely praised as a respectful acknowledgment of Inuit people’s concerns about the use of the term “Eskimo.”
These international examples highlight the broader global conversation about Indigenous representation and respect in sports.
International Team Name Change Highlight
| Team | Original Name | New Name | Year of Change |
| Edmonton Elks | Edmonton Eskimos | Edmonton Elks | 2021 |
This change echoes the sentiment found in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of language and imagery that honors, rather than diminishes, Indigenous cultures.
Impact of Name Changes on Native American Communities
These team name changes are more than symbolic gestures; they have significant cultural and social impacts. Many Native American communities view these changes as critical steps toward healing historical wounds caused by appropriation and misrepresentation.
Organizations and activists have emphasized that respectful representation fosters understanding and helps educate the broader public about Native American history and culture. Conversely, offensive or inaccurate portrayals can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to discrimination.
Importantly, many teams have used the name change process as an opportunity to build partnerships with Native American groups, promoting cultural education and mutual respect.
“When a team changes its name to respect native peoples, it validates our identity and our dignity.” – Native American Leader
Challenges and Controversies Surrounding Name Changes
Despite the positive momentum, the process of changing Native American team names has not been without challenges. Some fans and community members resist these changes, citing tradition, nostalgia, or concerns about financial costs.
In some cases, legal and trademark issues complicate the rebranding process. Teams must navigate protecting their brand identity while embracing new names.
Public relations efforts are often critical to ensuring a smooth transition.
Moreover, the debate continues around which names are acceptable and which are not, especially when teams retain Native American-themed names while modifying logos or mascots. This ambiguity sometimes fuels ongoing discussions rather than closure.
- Resistance from fan bases and alumni
- Financial costs of rebranding
- Debates over partial vs. full name changes
Looking Forward: The Future of Team Names and Cultural Respect
The shift away from Native American team names is part of a larger cultural reckoning regarding representation, respect, and identity. As society continues to evolve, we can expect more teams to reevaluate their names in light of these values.
New teams forming today are increasingly aware of the importance of choosing inclusive and thoughtful names. Meanwhile, existing teams face ongoing pressure to listen to Indigenous communities and adjust accordingly.
Education remains key to this process. Learning about the origins and meanings behind names encourages empathy and deeper understanding.
This blog has more on the origins and significance of names in various contexts, such as What Does the Name Remi Mean? Origins and Significance, helping readers appreciate the power of names in identity and culture.
“Respectful naming is not just about sports; it’s about dignity and shared humanity.” – Cultural Scholar
Summary Table of Major Native American Team Name Changes
| Team | Original Name | New Name | Year of Change | Level |
| Washington Commanders | Washington Redskins | Washington Commanders | 2022 | Pro (NFL) |
| Cleveland Guardians | Cleveland Indians | Cleveland Guardians | 2022 | Pro (MLB) |
| Edmonton Elks | Edmonton Eskimos | Edmonton Elks | 2021 | Pro (CFL) |
| Stanford Cardinal | Stanford Indians | Stanford Cardinal | 1972 | College |
| Dartmouth Big Green | Dartmouth Indians | Dartmouth Big Green | 1974 | College |
| Marquette Golden Eagles | Marquette Warriors | Marquette Golden Eagles | 1994 | College |
As we reflect on this list, it’s clear that the conversation about Native American team names is ongoing. It invites us all to consider how names reflect values, histories, and identities.
For those interested in the deeper meanings and origins of names beyond sports, exploring resources like What Does the Name Rosalind Mean? Origins and Significance can provide fascinating insights into how names shape our understanding of the world.
Ultimately, the move away from Native American team names is a testament to the power of change and respect. As communities unite around more thoughtful and inclusive identities, sports teams have an opportunity to lead by example, celebrating unity and honoring the true richness of Native American cultures without appropriation or harm.
