An overwhelming majority of Native Americans are not offended by the Washington Redskins' nickname and an overwhelming majority consider it an unimportant issue, according to a Washington Post poll.
Thursday's findings show that 9 out of 10 Native Americans are not offended by the controversial name and that 78 percent deemed the issue either "not too" or "not at all" important.
However, Suzan Harjo, the lead plaintiff challenging the team's trademark protections, rejected the new results because of her disbelief in self-identification.
"I don't accept self-identification," Harjo told the Post. "People say they're native, and they are not native, for all sorts of reasons. Those of us who are leaders in Indian Country ... know who we are representing. We also know if we are representing a minority view. And this is not the case here. Our experience is completely the opposite of the Annenberg poll and this one. I just reject the whole thing."
The Redskins' owner Dan Snyder has refused to change the team name.
"The Washington Redskins team, our fans and community have always believed our name represents honor, respect and pride. Today's Washington Post polling shows Native Americans agree," Snyder said. "We are gratified by this overwhelming support from the Native American community, and the team will proudly carry the Redskins name."
