Chicago Blackhawks Make Official Declaration About Changing Their Name

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Julien Trekker
December 9, 2023 (11:21)

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The Chicago Blackhawks have recently addressed the topic of their team name. That subject gained attention during the NFL's period of reevaluating team names with racial implications, such as the Washington Redskins' change to the Commanders. The Blackhawks' name, derived from Black Hawk of the Sac & Fox Nation, has been a point of discussion.

Chicago Blackhawks Issue Statement on Team Name

Amid the NFL's changes, questions arose about the Blackhawks' name. The team's statement clarified their position, emphasizing that their name honors the legacy of Black Hawk and aims to respectfully showcase Native American culture and history.

"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. As the team's popularity grew over the past decade, so did that platform and our work with these important organizations."

Established in 1926, the Chicago Blackhawks derived their name from their founder Frederic McLaughlin, who was a commander in World War I in the 86th Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Blackhawk Division." The team's emblem, which has remained mostly consistent since the 1959-60 season, depicts the head of a Native American with a feathered headdress and face paint.

Blackhawks Recognize the Importance of This Issue

The Blackhawks acknowledge the delicate balance between honoring Native American heritage and the potential for cultural disrespect.

"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. «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 Blackhawks continue to engage in internal discussions to ensure their representation of Native American heritage remains respectful and informed.

As seen on Markerzone - Blackhawks Make Statement on Changing Their Team Name

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DECEMBRE 9 \| 730 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks Make Official Declaration About Changing Their Name Do you think the Blackhawks should change their team name?
Yes	108	14.8 %
No	622	85.2 %
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