Commanders' New Logo Sparks Response from Native American Groups The Washington Commanders’ decision to introduce a new alternate logo featuring a spear intertwined with the team’s “W” has ignited a heated debate among Native American communities, with critics condemning the design as a regressive step that perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The logo, unveiled on April 15, is intended for use on alternate uniforms and merchandise, though its inclusion has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups and scholars who argue it reeks of cultural appropriation and reinforces outdated, offensive imagery. The team’s social media posts accompanying the logo describe the design as a “powerful joining of past and present,” with the spearhead symbolizing “those leading the fight” and the “W” representing the team’s forward-focused spirit. However, Native American activists and organizations have dismissed these claims as disingenuous. The Association on American Indian Affairs (AAIA) called the logo “disappointing and inappropriate,” stating that the team’s actions “repeat this cycle” of ignoring Native voices. Similarly, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) criticized the imagery as “harmful,” noting that any “prideful nod to a harmful past” risks perpetuating insidious stereotypes. The controversy comes amid a long history of resistance to the team’s previous branding. Washington’s NFL team, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, faced decades of opposition for its use of Native American mascots and nicknames. The team abandoned the name and mascot in 2020 and rebranded as the Commanders in 2022. Despite this shift, critics argue the new logo resurrects elements of the team’s problematic legacy.#washington_commanders #association_on_american_indian_affairs #national_congress_of_american_indians #native_american_guardians_association #not_in_our_honor
