A clothing retailer has apologized to the Navajo Nation over claims of cultural appropriation.
MadHappy removed its Aspen, Colorado, sweatshirt from its store last month after more than a dozen people claimed the design copied the Navajo Nation seal without prior permission.
The sweatshirt features four colored mountains and two flowers at the bottom.
According to the Navajo Times, the Nation’s economic development director said MadHappy apologized and offered to have its employees undergo cultural training. The company has also offered to donate profits to the tribe.
This isn't the first instance of a company referencing Navajo culture in its products. Urban Outfitters removed the word "Navajo" from some of its products in 2011.
Someone brought to my attention that a brand (madhappy on ig) had used the Navajo Nation seal (my tribe) to create a “trendy” sweater. This angered me to my core. I reached out to them + let them know that their work was stolen. They have since removed the sweater + sent me this. pic.twitter.com/vtM5mSkoCC
— terrell2spirit 🪶 (@terrell2spirit) January 26, 2020
