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New video pressures Redskins to change name before Super Bowl

The National Congress of American Indians says it wants to end the legacy of racism in sports.

Proud To Be video denouncing 'R-word' goes viral

Connie Walker · CBC News ·
American Indians and their supporters gather outside the Metrodome last November in Minneapolis to urge the the Washington Redskins to change their team name. (Associated Press)

Just days before Super Bowl XXLVII, the National Congress of American Indians in the United States has released a video​ denouncing the term 'redskin.' 

It's part of an ongoing campaign urging the NFL's Washington Redskins to change the team's name. 

The video titled Proud To Be highlights the strengths and positive attributes of indigenous peoples, as well as features prominent aboriginal people throughout history.

The video ends by saying, "Native Americans call themselves many things, the one thing they don't...." and the final image is a picture of Redskins helmet.

Campaign has support in Canada

Ian Campeau, a deejay with the group A Tribe Called Red led the campaign to get the Nepean Redskins to change their name and logo.

He said the term 'redskins' is as offensive as the 'N-word'.
Ian Campeau of A Tribe Called Red says he's been working to get the name changed for more than two years. (CBC)
"They are referencing me. I'm an aboriginal male. I don't feel I look that way and I don't want to be represented that way and I don't want to be called that," said Campeau.

The Nepean Redskins changed their name to the Nepean Eagles earlier this year.  

The campaign to change the name of the Washington Redskins hasn't been as successful.

In an open letter last year, owner Daniel Snyder wrote, "We are Redskins Nation and we owe it to our fans and coaches and players, past and present, to preserve that heritage."

About the Author

Connie Walker

CBC Reporter

Connie Walker is a reporter in the Investigative Unit at CBC News. Follow her on twitter @connie_walker

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