The Atlanta Braves say they have no plans to follow the lead of the NFL’s Washington Redskins and change their team’s name.
“We are always going to be the Atlanta Braves,” the team said in a letter to season ticket holders Friday to which The Associated Press had access.
However, the “tomahawk chop” chant that fans use to cheer on the team will be evaluated,
In the letter, the team said it seeks feedback from the American Indian community, fans, players and former players as it evaluates the fan experience, including the chant.
The Redskins announced Monday that they were changing the team name and the Indian head logo.
The Braves say they have established a “cultural employment relationship” with the Eastern Group of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in North Carolina and have formed an American Indian Task Force.
The name came along with the team after moving to Atlanta from Milwaukee in 1966. The name was implemented in 1912 when the team was in Boston.
“Throughout our conversations, changing the name of the Braves is not considered or deemed necessary,” the team said in a letter. “
Richard Sneed, chief chief of the East Group of Cherokee Indians, said in a statement that EBCI has evaluated “a possible alliance” with the Braves following discussions “about cultural perception” of the chant.
“As a people proud of their identity, we are not in favor of cultural appropriation or any disrespectful representation of Native nations,” said Sneed. “We believe that in-depth conversations are essential to educate leaders and generate positive change. As such, we are committed to partnering with the Atlanta Braves as they evaluate opportunities to more appropriately represent Native nations. “
Sneed said he is looking forward to creating a relationship with the Braves “to present a model of how other professional teams can work with the Native Nations in a more respectful and constructive way.” AP (HN)