The Chicago Blackhawks said they will not be changing their name since it honors a real-life Native American
“The Chicago Blackhawks’ name and logo symbolizes an important and historic person, Black Hawk of Illinois’ Sac & Fox Nation, whose leadership and life has inspired generations of Native Americans, veterans and the public,” the hockey team said in a statement, according to CNN.
“We celebrate Black Hawk’s legacy by offering ongoing reverent examples of Native American culture, traditions and contributions, providing a platform for genuine dialogue with local and national Native American groups,” the team added.
The team joined the NHL in 1926 and got the “Black Hawks” name from its owner Frederic McLaughlin. The division was nicknamed “Blackhawk Division” after Chief Blackhawk, according to the team’s website.
“We recognize there is a fine line between respect and disrespect, and we commend other teams for their willingness to engage in that conversation,” the team said in its statement, according to CNN. “Moving forward, we are committed to raising the bar even higher to expand awareness of Black Hawk and the important contributions of all Native American people.”
The American Indian Center of Chicago previously had a relationship with the team that aimed to educate the general public about the use of logos featuring Native Americans, but the organization broke professional ties with the team in 2019. The American Indian Center said it would no longer have professional ties with the Blackhawks or “any other organization that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.”
Other professional teams have recently indicated that they will consider changing their names, including the Cleveland Indians baseball team and the Washington Redskins football team, which said it will undergo a thorough review of the team’s name.