A Blackfeet family is asking to be part of the conversation about an ancestor whose image became tied to one of the most debated identities in American sports.
Descendants of Chief John Two Guns White Calf are calling for Washington’s NFL franchise to restore its former name and logo, and to include the family directly in decisions about how his likeness and legacy are used. Family representatives have said the former logo was a source of pride for them and that they were not consulted when the franchise retired the name and imagery in 2020.
Washington later played as the Washington Football Team before becoming the Commanders in 2022. No restoration of the former name or logo has been announced by the team.
The team’s own historical account has connected the former logo to Blackfeet leader Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, who proposed the design in 1971. The White Calf family and supporters say the image reflects Chief Two Guns White Calf’s public legacy, while others have disputed how directly his likeness was used in earlier imagery connected to the franchise and related artwork.
The issue remains complex within Native communities. Some descendants and supporters view the image as recognition of a respected Blackfeet figure. Other Indigenous organizations, including the National Congress of American Indians, supported retiring the former name and imagery, citing long-standing concerns about Native-themed mascots and stereotypes in sports.
According to the Washington Examiner, family representatives have also sought a meeting with President Donald Trump and proposed naming a new stadium for Chief Two Guns White Calf. The family and Nationz2Nations are also planning a cultural showcase in Washington on Nov. 20 to share their perspective.
How should teams, institutions, and the public involve descendants when an ancestor’s image becomes part of national sports history?
#Blackfeet #IndigenousVoices #NativeAmericanHistory #SportsHistory
Sources: Theshadowleague, Washington Examiner
