Native American leaders ask Chiefs to change team name and imagery

A group of Indigenous American leaders are pushing the Kansas City Chiefs to change its name and imagery.

The Kansas City Chiefs name, logo, and overall motif is obviously derivative of Native American culture. Over the years, plenty of changes have been made to avoid making a mockery or caricature of Indigenous American culture, but one group thinks it’s not nearly far enough.

A group called the “Not In Our Honor” Coalition is asking the Chiefs to change its name and drop the Native American motif altogether, accusing it of being racist. Some members of the group gathered outside the stadium before the Monday Night Football game to protest and demonstrate.

In 2020 the Chiefs banned overt displays like headdresses and appropriating face paint. Those came after discussions with local Native leaders. Then, and now, the team has committed to traditions that honor rather than mocking the traditions and history of Indigenous American people, but some natives want the team to drop all connections with the history.

An accompanying petition from the group to change the name has garnered nearly 15,000 signatures at the time of publication.

Will the Chiefs ever change their name?

A name change? It’s a big question that might be more complex than people realize. Obviously, there are plenty of commercial reasons for and against changing the name. The name and trademark has plenty of capital and goes back plenty of years. An entire rebrand can be extremely expensive both in terms of costs to generate a new brand while also more or less abandoning the old one.

On the other hand, a new logo and team name would mean fans need to get new gear. What better time to do that than when interest in the team is at an all-time high propelled by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes?

At the same time, the Chiefs have sought to give a legitimate voice to Native groups with partnerships. A name change may stifle that platform and put an end to some of those discussions when they are needed to preserve the history and memory of Indigenous Americans.

While, clearly, not all natives are on board, some seem to be receptive to the Chiefs’ modern approach to its name and imagery. For now, the name will stay the same, but there’s certainly a chance it could change down the line.