Senator Daines Champions Native American Heritage in Washington Commanders’ Rebranding Efforts
In a significant move that bridges sports, politics, and cultural heritage, Montana Senator Steve Daines has emerged as a key advocate for honoring Native American legacies tied to one of the NFL’s storied franchises. At the heart of his advocacy is the recognition of the historical contributions of the Wetzel family and the iconic image inspired by Blackfeet Chief Two Guns White Calf, which once graced the helmets of the Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Redskins. Speaking at a Senate National Parks Subcommittee hearing, Daines pressed for meaningful engagement with Native American communities, emphasizing the seminal role played by Blackie Wetzel, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, in shaping the team’s identity.
Senator Daines’ involvement has extended to legislative efforts, particularly concerning the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act. He has signaled readiness to block the bill—aimed at redeveloping the RFK Stadium for various purposes including a new stadium for the Commanders—until the team honors the legacy of Blackie Wetzel and the broader Native American community. Daines insists on a revival of the old logo, minus the contentious team name, as a tribute to the contributions of Native Americans to the franchise’s history and as a step towards rectifying past oversights.
With the Redskins’ rebranding to the Commanders in 2022, following extensive criticism over the original name’s insensitivity, the dialogue around Native American representations in sports has gained renewed focus. Daines, leveraging his position as the Ranking Member of the National Parks Subcommittee, proposes various paths forward. These include engaging directly with tribal leaders and the Wetzel family to explore opportunities for the logo’s return in a manner respectful to Native cultures and supportive of causes such as awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).
The proposal isn’t without its complexities. As discussions unfold, the potential for the logo’s reintroduction, conditional on excluding the former team name, offers a unique avenue for addressing broader issues of cultural representation and respect. Ryan Wetzel, Blackie Wetzel’s grandson, continues to be a vocal participant in these discussions, advocating not only for the recognition of his family’s legacy but also for the positive use of the logo to champion Native American causes.
Senator Daines’ stance underscores a pivotal moment in sports and cultural politics, drawing attention to the importance of reconciling historic missteps with meaningful actions that honor and respect Native American heritage. As the debate over the RFK Stadium and the Washington Commanders’ rebranding unfolds, Daines’ advocacy highlights an ongoing journey towards acknowledging and celebrating the rich tapestry of America’s indigenous communities within the national pastime.