Cherokee Nation asks Jeep to 'retire' name of SUV [View all]

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Agence France-Presse
February 22, 2021

The Cherokee Nation said Monday it has asked for its tribal name to be removed as a nameplate from Jeep sport utility vehicles and called for a dialogue with the automaker on "cultural appropriateness."

The Native American group's principal chief Chuck Hoskin Jr told Jeep's parent firm Stellantis " he does not condone" the use of the name Cherokee on the vehicles, according to a statement.

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"I think we're in a day and age in this country where it's time for both corporations and team sports to retire the use of Native American names, images and mascots from their products, team jerseys and sports in general," Hoskin said in his initial statement.

"I'm sure this comes from a place that is well-intended, but it does not honor us by having our name plastered on the side of a car.

"The best way to honor us is to learn about our sovereign government, our role in this country, our history, culture and language and have meaningful dialogue with federally recognized tribes on cultural appropriateness."

The news comes with growing momentum to remove Native American names and images from sports teams in the United States, which many now see as demeaning to the indigenous peoples.

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https://www.rawstory.com/cherokee-nation-asks-jeep-to-retire-name-of-suv/

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He articulated my sentiments so well. It does not honor us to have our names plastered on the side of a car or as sports team mascots. We should get to decide how our names are used--as a few tribes have done.