The North American Indian Cultural Center (NAICC) in Tallmadge issued a statement on July 22 responding to President Donald Trump’s July 20 social media post that urged the Cleveland Guardians to change back to its former name.
The statement reads:
“The NAICC stands firmly in solidarity with the Cleveland Native community in particular, and with the broader Native American and Indigenous community as a whole. We recognize the long-standing harm caused by racist sports mascots, names, and imagery that reduce Native cultures to caricatures and stereotypes. This harm is not abstract — it is felt in our homes, our youth, and our shared experiences. As the Lake Erie Native American Council (LENAC) and others have previously stated, the name change to “Guardians” was a long-overdue step toward respect and healing. Reversing that progress would be deeply troubling and would send a message that the comfort of nostalgia is being prioritized over the well-being of living Native people. NAICC does not support a return to the “Indians” name, and we stand unwaveringly with those who have worked for decades to end racist team branding.”
Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti met with local reporters in a previously scheduled press conference the morning of July 20 and said at that time he was not aware of Trump’s comment.
“Not something I’m tracking or have been paying a lot of attention to, but I would say generally I understand that there are very different perspectives on the decision we made a few years ago,” Antonetti said. “But obviously it’s a decision we’ve made and we’ve gotten the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians over the last four years and are excited about the future.”
Trump called on the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians in X post
Trump’s post on Truth Social said the following:
“The Washington “Whatever’s” should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team. There is a big clamoring for this. Likewise, the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original baseball teams, with a storied past. Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them. Times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!”
When did the Cleveland team change its name?
The Cleveland MLB team changed its name in 2021 after decades of criticism from Native American groups — which included protests outside of Progressive Field for their home openers for several years — and others who viewed the team’s previous name and mascot as culturally offensive. The new identity was chosen to reflect Cleveland’s heritage.
Ryan Lewis contributed to this report. Alisson Toro-Lagos is a reporter for the Beacon Journal. She can be reached at atorolagos@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: North American Indian Cultural Center opposes Donald Trump’s push on Cleveland Guardians
Reporting by Alisson Toro-Lagos, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
