Great article by Kerry J. Byrne. Smithsonian Institution senior linguist Ives Goddard researched the origins of the REDSKINS name and concluded, in summary, that “the actual origin of the word is entirely benign.” Goddard found that “redskin” did not originate in English or another European language. Rather, the English term derived from Native American expressions combining the color red with words for flesh, skin, and man. Those who pushed the narrative that the name was inherently racist failed to do the historical research, and much of the media repeated that narrative without adequately examining the history. The result? An important Native American figurehead and his legacy were canceled in the process. The history deserves a second look. @Commanders theblaze.com/news/wake-up-ca…

I must address the comment from the Association on American Indian Affairs. REDSKINS and the logo was not the commercialization of Native Americans. It was the honoring of one man, Chief Two Guns White Calf. Yet did anyone at NBC Sports reach out to his descendants, whose trademark applications are now pending before the USPTO? No. The statement, “We are not your mascot,” is disingenuous and ignores the history of this particular image. The logo depicted a man who traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for his people following the 1870 massacre of approximately 200 Blackfeet women, children, and elders by a U.S. military command #TheCommanders®. Will news organizations finally speak with the family, or continue relying on activist organizations that do not represent the descendants or their understanding of the brand? If you truly want to get this history right, talk to the descendants. nbcsports.com/nfl/profootbal…

Soon, the family will be producing its own REDSKINS hats. The goal is to partner with Nike and other major brands to develop and market the first Native American-owned REDSKINS merchandise line, creating authentic products that honor the legacy, culture, and identity of the Native American community.