There has been ongoing controversy surrounding the use of Native American inspired mascots in sports teams, particularly the use of such mascots' names and symbols that are deemed offensive or disrespectful. One such mascot name that has generated debate is the use of the name "Chiefs." The term "Chiefs" is often used as a mascot name for sports teams, primarily in American football. The name is typically associated with teams that aim to portray strength, leadership, and honor. However, critics argue that the use of this name in sports teams is a form of cultural appropriation and perpetuates stereotypes associated with Native Americans. Opponents of the use of the name "Chiefs" argue that it reduces Native American culture to a simplistic and one-dimensional representation.

Indigenous Groups Are Protesting the Kansas City Chiefs — Here's Why

The Kansas City Chiefs football team has long been the subject of scrutiny. Here's the controversy about their mascot, explained.

Feb. 10 2023, Published 2:47 p.m. ET

As the Kansas City Chiefs football team gears up for Super Bowl LVII, many sports fans have taken a renewed interest in the game and its players. However, there is another reason the Kansas City Chiefs, in particular, are attracting attention this year.

Native American groups across the nation have asked sports teams, such as the Washington Commanders (formerly the Washington Redskins) and baseball team the Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Cleveland Indians), to change their team names and mascots to reduce harm and cultural appropriation.

Let's unpack the controversy behind the Kansas City Chiefs mascot, team name, and fan behavior.

Opponents of the use of the name "Chiefs" argue that it reduces Native American culture to a simplistic and one-dimensional representation. They argue that using such names and symbols in sports teams perpetuates stereotypes that have historically marginalized and misrepresented Native Americans. Critics also highlight the importance of respecting and honoring Native American culture, rather than appropriating or exploiting it for entertainment purposes.

Here's the controversy behind the Kansas City Chiefs mascot, explained.

The Kansas City football team initially started as the Dallas Texans, but changed when the team moved to Kansas City in 1963, according to the Associated Press. The football team name was chosen for the city's white mayor at the time, Mayor Harold Roe Bartle, who allegedly received permission from the Northern Arapaho people. The name was based on a nickname of Bartle's, which was reportedly "the Chief."

Chiefs president Mark Donovan recently claimed to the AP that the team "documented tribal officials confirming" permission to use what Indigenous activists have called a culturally appropriative team name. The Native American–led social justice organization IllumiNative, for example, released an Instagram post on Feb. 9, 2023, calling out the use of Native imagery appropriated by the football team.

In 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs created the American Indian Community Working Group, a group of Native American advisers serving to promote tribal culture and discourage cultural appropriation. A 2016 report from the AP suggested that the group was working more closely with Chiefs management to observe American Indian Heritage Month.

The Kansas City Chiefs previously had a pinto horse mascot named Warpaint, who was switched out for a character named K.C. Wolf. The horse mascot was brought back in 2009, but in 2021, The New York Times reported that the team retired the mascot because "it was the right thing to do." Unfortunately, the Chiefs mascot isn't the only act of cultural appropriation surrounding the team.

In 2020 the Chiefs formally banned fans from wearing headdresses and Native American face paint inside Arrowhead Stadium, a practice that had been happening for years. In a statement, the organization said moving forward, "While we have discouraged fans from wearing headdresses for several years, effective immediately, fans will be prohibited from wearing headdresses into the stadium."

Additionally, the statement read, "Face painting is still allowed for all fans, but any face paint that is styled in a way that references or appropriates American Indian cultures and traditions will be prohibited."

Finally, the Chiefs did address the "Tomahawk Chop," a fan-created gesture deemed racist by Native American groups. Activists coined the hashtag #StopTheChop to discourage the gesture, but so far, the Chiefs' only solution has been to encourage fans to change the open-palmed gesture to a closed fist.

Kansas City Chiefs fans performing the "Tomahawk Chop" in the audience.

Now that the Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl once more, there has been renewed protest over the team name itself, which is considered racist and appropriative. Activist Rhonda LeValdo, leader of Kansas City–based group Not In Our Honor, explained to the AP, "People are trying to be really positive about Kansas City and what it does and how like ‘Yes, sports binds us all together.'"

She explains that for Indigenous peoples, "It’s not bringing our people into this celebration together. Really, it’s hurting us more because now it’s the bigger spotlight where you’re seeing this all over the world." Rhonda will be part of a group protesting outside of the State Farm Stadium in Arizona, where the Super Bowl will be held in 2023.

In response, Mark Donovan told the AP he respects the group's right to protest.

Native American advocates protest Kansas City Chiefs name ahead of Super Bowl LVII

Native American advocates calling for the “immediate retirement” of team’s name.

A detailed view of the Kansas City Chiefs logo on a fan prior to the AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Mo.

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing scrutiny again ahead of Super Bowl LVII, with Native American advocates calling for the “immediate retirement” of the NFL team’s name, logo, the team’s “war chant” and the “tomahawk chop.”

“There’s no respectful way to mascot us or belittle us and use us for profit,” said Amanda Blackhorse, founder of Arizona to Rally Against Native Mascots (Az Rally), during a press conference on Thursday outside the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

“I’m confident the Kansas City team and the NFL hear the resistance,” Blackhorse added. “After all, groups like Not in Our Honor and the Kansas City Indian Center protest every single home game.”

Blackhorse is set to rally with a group of advocates outside the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona as the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.

“The anti-Native mascot movement has always been about the betterment of our Native people, not hatred towards others who are football fans,” said Blackhorse on Thursday. “We want to live in a world where our children can attend school and feel included and not met with reenactments of fake war dances on the football field.”

'Not a moment too soon': Native American community welcomes Cleveland baseball team name change

According to the website of the Kansas City Chiefs, the team was named for H. Roe Bartle, the mayor of Kansas City in the early 1960s, who was nicknamed “Chief” and played a major role in bringing the Dallas Texans to Kansas City in 1963.

David Garcia speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark 'war chantâ' where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk.

After the team moved from Texas, they were renamed the Kansas City Chiefs.

“While the origin of the team's name has no affiliation with American Indian culture, much of the club's early promotional activities relied heavily on imagery and messaging depicting American Indians in a racially insensitive fashion,” the team's website says. “Over the course of the club's 60-plus-year history, the Chiefs organization has worked to eliminate this offensive imagery and other forms of cultural appropriation in their promotional materials and game-day presentation.”

After establishing an American Indian Community Working Group in 2014, the team banned headdresses and face paint at games and retired the use of Warpaint as an ambassador of the Chiefs, among other things.

"Really going back seven years ago when we started the dialogue with our American Indian working group here in Kansas City, it was a real learning experience for the organization…I think the important thing on the entire subject has been how important education has been," the Kansas City Chief's Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in an undated statement on the team's website. "It's something that's important to the American Indians, both from a cultural heritage standpoint and just preserving their traditions, but it's also a way of educating our fans that these things are offensive to them. We've now expanded our relationship beyond just the group in the Midwest that we've been working with."

ABC News reached out to the Kansas City Chiefs for additional comment.

Protesters renew calls to change Kansas City Chiefs name, mascot ahead of Super Bowl LVII

On the other hand, some proponents argue that the use of the term "Chiefs" is meant to honor and celebrate Native American culture. They argue that these mascots serve as a way to pay tribute to the strength, bravery, and leadership traditionally associated with Native American tribes. Supporters claim that the intention is not to offend or demean Native Americans but rather to honor their heritage and create a sense of pride among team supporters. It is crucial to acknowledge that perspectives on this matter differ significantly. Some Native American individuals and organizations have voiced their opposition to the use of the name "Chiefs" as a mascot, citing the need for cultural sensitivity and respect. However, it is also important to note that perspectives within Native American communities are not monolithic, and there are differing opinions on this issue. Advocates for change argue that sports teams should choose mascot names that are inclusive, respectful, and do not rely on cultural stereotypes. Suggestions for alternative names have been proposed, focusing on other elements that symbolize strength and leadership. These alternatives aim to avoid cultural appropriation and promote a more inclusive and respectful representation of Native Americans. In conclusion, the use of the name "Chiefs" as a mascot for sports teams has generated controversy, with critics arguing that it perpetuates stereotypes and engages in cultural appropriation. The debate surrounding this issue highlights the need for an ongoing dialogue and increased awareness regarding the impact of such mascots on marginalized communities. Ultimately, it is crucial to find ways to honor and celebrate Native American culture without resorting to offensive or disrespectful imagery..

Reviews for "The Chiefs Mascot Name: Celebrating Kansas City Pride"

1. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆

I find the Chiefs mascot name offensive and disrespectful to Native Americans. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces the idea of cultural appropriation. It is disappointing to see a sports team still using such a controversial and insensitive name in this day and age. I believe it is time for the team to rebrand and choose a new, more inclusive mascot name that does not offend or belittle a specific group of people.

2. John - ★★☆☆☆

While I understand that the Chiefs mascot name references bravery and strength, I believe it is still problematic. Native American cultures have long been exploited and marginalized, and using their symbols and names as sports mascots only furthers this injustice. It is important to recognize and respect the history and dignity of Native American communities, rather than appropriating their culture. The team should consider changing their mascot name to something that is more respectful and representative of the local community.

3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆

As a Native American myself, I find the Chiefs mascot name to be insensitive and offensive. It reduces an entire culture to a caricature and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Native American mascots commodify our traditions and devalue our rich cultural heritage. It is disheartening to see a sports team continue to profit off the misappropriation of our identity. I urge the team to reconsider their mascot name and work towards promoting understanding and respect for Native American communities instead.

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