Descendants of Blackfeet Chief Advocate for Name Restoration
Descendants of Blackfeet Chief Two Guns White Calf, known for inspiring the Washington NFL franchise’s long-standing logo, are campaigning for the return of the team’s original name, “Redskins,” along with its iconic emblem.
Family members and estate representatives assert that the logo’s retirement in 2020 did not honor, but rather diminished, their ancestor’s legacy and disregarded Native American heritage.
In response to the decision made largely under pressure from activist groups, family spokespeople have voiced their discontent about not being consulted when the team altered its historic identity.
Moreover, the initiative seeks to do more than just reinstate the logo; the family is also advocating for the naming of Washington’s future stadium as the “John Two Guns White Calf Memorial Stadium.”
This idea, if it comes to fruition, would mark the first NFL stadium dedicated to a Native American figure, which is quite significant.
Representatives from the Chief’s estate highlight that the logo was a “point of pride and representation” for their community rather than a negative or racist symbol. They are seeking meaningful discussions with the franchise and political figures to push their proposal forward.
“We want the name and logo restored with our family’s direct participation and blessing, and the new stadium named the John Two Guns White Calf Memorial Stadium — the first NFL stadium ever named for a Native American,” stated Morningstar Gopher, the estate’s press representative, during an interview.
“The Redskins logo, for our family, was never meant to cause harm. It was a sense of pride. We want our own people to see that,” he added.
