The National Congress of American Indians and Change The Mascot are encouraging Native people to show what they’re #ProudToBe .
Change The Mascot and the NCAI, two Native American organizations campaigning to change the name of the NFL's Washington Redskins, have developed the #ProudToBe photo project in conjunction with their video of the same name.
By highlighting the beauty, talent, and diversity of Indian Country, we want to show the world all that it means to be American Indian or Alaska Native. Indian Country is modern, innovative, and alive. We have a rich history and are proud of our ancestors … but we are not simply lines in a history book. Native Americans are not caricatures, cartoons, or myths. We are part of your community.
We are Native peoples from across the country. We live in cities and on reservations. We are tribal leaders and community activists. We are parents and students. We are joined by many non-Native people. It isn't just those of Native descent who find the use of Indian-themed mascots inappropriate or who find the casual use of the R-word slur reprehensible.
Racism is never acceptable. It's time to change the mascot.
