For many, the Super Bowl matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs will be among the biggest sporting events of the year. For others, it’s a reminder of stolen identity.
The game has renewed protests against the Kansas City team name and mascot.
Tribal members from around the country plan on showing up to State Farm Stadium in Glendale to protest.
Native American advocacy groups have long said the Chiefs’ name and mascot equate to cultural appropriation. Now, they say the Super Bowl is putting stereotypes in the spotlight and hurting the American Indian community.
Amanda Blackhorse founded Arizona to Rally Against Native Mascots. She says the protests have happened for decades.
“They continue to ignore the Native people that are protesting at every home game. They’re standing outside of the stadium and surviving the elements whether it be the hot weather or literally freezing temperatures.” Black horse said.
She added that racism against indigenous Americans often goes unnoticed.
“Most people don’t have that platform to be able to say this is what happened to me, and I need help. You know? So a lot of times these things go unreported and Native people just end up dealing with it,” Blackhorse said.
She cited viral videos this week of Gilbert Ortega Jr. racially mocking a tribal performance outside the Scottsdale gallery where his family sells Indigenous art and jewelry. Police say he faces a disorderly conduct charge.
The franchise started as the Dallas Texans, but the name changed when it moved to Kansas City in 1963.
