Hockey team called ‘Redskins’ with ‘Blackhawks’ logo refuses to change nickname

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A Morden senior hockey team in Manitoba, Canada, named the Redskins and wearing a logo similar to the Blackhawks, refuses to change its nickname despite pressure from a local city council member and social media.

The Morden team has been a member of the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League since the mid-80s and has won 12 championships, more than any other league franchise.

As with the NFL’s Washington Redskins, the Morden team has stirred controversy. Earlier this month, Morden council member Heather Francis demanded the team drop its native-inspired nickname. Her motion was defeated 5-2 by the council.

From CTV News in Winnipeg:

Morden GM Brent Meleck doesn’t understand the outcry.

Meleck told CTV Winnipeg:

Meleck went on to say that his team makes First Nations people of Canada proud:

Several sports teams have changed their nicknames, mascots and logos because they were offensive or demeaning. The Washington Redskins have been under pressure for years to change their name and logo, but have not budged.

“Blackhawks” finds its origin in an army unit named after a Sauk leader, Chief Black Hawk, around the time of World War I.

The SEMHL was founded in 1951. The original Morden team was nicknamed the Bombers.

Reaction to the Morden nickname has run mixed in social media.

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