The Washington Commanders’ new alternate logo, which features a spear, is generating controversy. Native American organisations and prominent figures within those communities have voiced their criticism. The team unveiled the logo on social media on April 15.
The logo shows a spear intertwined with the team’s “W” on a helmet. The “W” will remain the team’s primary logo.
Native American Groups Object to the Design
The Association on American Indian Affairs said the decision to update the logo was disappointing and inappropriate. They stated that Native Peoples have been clear that they are not a mascot. The team stopped using its previous mascot and nickname in 2020 and rebranded as the Washington Commanders in 2022, after decades of opposition.
Suzan Harjo, a Native American activist, believes the team is trying to appease those who want to bring back the old mascot. Harjo was involved in lawsuits that aimed to force the team to change its previous name.
The team has stated that the “Spear and W interweave at their centers, a powerful joining of past and present.” They also said the spearhead symbolises those leading the fight, capturing the forward-focused spirit of the Commander.
Differing Views on the Logo’s Appropriateness
Not In Our Honor, formed in 2005 to advocate against the use of Native American imagery in sports, said the logo was not acceptable or appropriate. They believe the team is backsliding from the correct decision to stop the Native American cultural appropriation.
Conversely, Becky Clayton-Anderson, president of the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA), applauded the design. NAGA is pleased to see the Washington Commanders incorporate a Native spear into their new logo design.
Clayton-Anderson stated that it is encouraging to have a small piece of Native imagery represented again, honouring the deep connection between Native heritage and America’s sports traditions.
Team’s Response and NFL’s Silence
The Commanders declined to comment on whether they consulted with Native Americans on the logo’s design. They deferred to the NFL for questions regarding the league’s role in the process.
The NFL did not respond to messages seeking comment.
The team’s social media posts included the caption, “Pieces of then and now, tied to one legacy.”