Even though many sports teams across the country are changing their names that are related to indigenous people groups, like the Washington Redskins becoming the Washington Commanders or the Cleveland Indians becoming the Cleveland Guardians, the Indianapolis Indians announced this week that the club will not be changing its name.
On Wednesday, the club announced that it would be keeping its current Indianapolis Indians name for at least the upcoming 2023 and 2024 baseball seasons after entering into a partnership with the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana. Brian Buchanan, the Chief of the group, said in a statement that the Miami Nation of Indians “encouraged the team to remain the Indianapolis Indians.”
“We are pleased to work with the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana to help educate our fans about the rich history and culture of its tribe,” Bruce Schumacher, Indianapolis Indians Chairman and CEO said in the announcement. “We look forward to using our platform to educate our fans by acknowledging, uplifting and honoring those upon whose ancestral lands Victory Field is built. We are excited to highlight the Miami Nation and influence of Native American people throughout our state, which means ‘land of the Indians’ and city, which means ‘city of Indians’ at Victory Field this season.”
With the many name changes taking place across the country in recent years, it’s certainly surprising to see that a team is sticking by its current name. And the baseball world had plenty to say about it following the team’s announcement this week.
Love to see it https://t.co/5BCoT0MvJj
— Cannonball Corner (@CannonballCrner) February 23, 2023
This is cool to see. But still Circle City is better https://t.co/LR5FYMgURK
— Brett Mullenix (@Brett_Mullenix) February 23, 2023
This is really extraordinary. A rare chance for a ball club to engage in society in a culturally significant way. https://t.co/ypEVmGHuMs
— Richard McCoy (@RichardMcCoy) February 23, 2023
We could add to the cool n funny minor league team names and be the Indianapolis Tenderloins but nooooo y’all stickin with this smh https://t.co/0teZEgXGnE
— sammy 🏳️⚧️ 🐘 (@junkityy) February 23, 2023
This is exactly the partnership I was hoping the Indians would employ. Keep the familiar name to raise awareness and educate Central Indiana about the indigenous population of the state.
Also, how is the Miami Nation not a federally recognized tribe?! https://t.co/VTwmN9suWx
— Tony Hebenstreit (@tonyhebenstreit) February 23, 2023
The team has held the Indianapolis Indians nickname since 1902. And they’ll be keeping it for at least two more years.
