Great article by Kerry J. Byrne. Smithsonian Institution senior linguist Ives Goddard researched the origins of the REDSKINS name and concluded, in summary, that “the actual origin of the word is entirely benign.” Goddard found that “redskin” did not originate in English or another European language. Rather, the English term derived from Native American expressions combining the color red with words for flesh, skin, and man. Those who pushed the narrative that the name was inherently racist failed to do the historical research, and much of the media repeated that narrative without adequately examining the history. The result? An important Native American figurehead and his legacy were canceled in the process. The history deserves a second look. @Commanders theblaze.com/news/wake-up-ca…

Shawn White Calf speaks on behalf of his family in support of restoring the Redskins brand. He even took time away from fighting fires to share this message. For context, Shawn is the son of Delphine White Calf, a descendant of James White Calf Sr., the brother of John Two Guns White Calf.

For everyone who still believes the REDSKINS name and logo were racist, I beg you to talk to the family of the man represented by that logo. For years, the public has heard from mainstream media and Native American nonprofits that are not affiliated with his family, while his actual descendants were largely left out of the conversation. Chief Two Guns White Calf was not a mascot. He was a real human being, a respected Blackfeet leader whose life was shaped by a painful chapter in American history following the 1870 Marias Massacre. Listen to his family. Honor the history. Honor the Blackfeet people. And bring it all back, with the family at the table. 🪶

This is the problem with the media. No one is even attempting to understand the history and rich heritage of Chief Two Guns White Calf, the man depicted in the logo, not a mascot. Instead, they lazily turn to activist organizations that claim to speak for Native Americans, while failing to meaningfully engage with the Blackfeet Tribe or the Chief’s descendants to understand the history and significance behind the name and image. The history of the word REDSKINS is also far more nuanced than commonly portrayed. Linguistic research has documented Native Americans using the term in reference to themselves before it later acquired disparaging uses. While some derogatory uses emerged, Native people also continued using the term in positive contexts, including with pride and positive meaning. If the media wants to tell this story accurately, it should start by examining the full history and speaking with the Native family directly connected to the man behind the logo.

Trademark law?! Months after the descendants of Chief Two Guns White Calf and I filed for the REDSKINS marks? 🤔 If there is truly no intention of ever bringing the name back, why start selling REDSKINS merchandise again now? I sincerely hope the team isn’t gearing up for a fight before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. There is another path here. Do the right thing. Work with the Native American family whose ancestor inspired the iconic logo and who has applied to revitalize these marks, and bring the brand back in a way that honors its history and gives the family a meaningful voice in its future.

There is a concerted effort to remove Native American culture from history. And I’m going to get to the bottom of it. Come tomorrow at 6 PM to hear from the family. Go to redskinschief.com/event for more.

Tom White Calf is at Capitol Hill. Join him and the family tomorrow, Monday, May 18, to learn about their ancestors and the rich history of the Blackfeet Tribe. Go to redskinschief.com/event for the event location.