12/03/24
August 24, 2017
Edmonton Eskimos Face New Calls to Change Name: The on-field success of the Canadian Football League's Edmonton team has cast attention on its Eskimos nickname, which some members of the Inuit indigenous peoples believe should be retired. Team president Len Rhodes said, "We always use our name within an aura of respect for all members of our community. ... I assure you one thing and that is there is not a consensus on topics such as this one. We welcome all feedback on all topics."
At least one Inuit leader called for a name change in 2015, calling it a "colonial legacy."
The Edmonton Journal editorial board was in agreement.
posted by jjzucal at 08:35 PM on August 24, 2017
Rough Riders
That iteration is already taken, right? Ruff Ryders. Ruffryders. Boisterous Passengers. Unpleasant Addendums.
posted by NoMich at 09:28 PM on August 24, 2017
NoMich: Actually, "Roughriders" is taken. "Rough Riders" is no longer in use. However, the Red & Black still own the rights to "Rough Riders", even though the Ottawa franchise hasn't been called that in over 20 years.
posted by grum@work at 09:52 PM on August 24, 2017
So, the ship has sailed on the Unpleasant Addendums?
posted by NoMich at 10:17 PM on August 24, 2017
After a brief study of the City of Edmonton, I have a few suggestions. Perhaps something related to the petroleum industry will work, try Drillers or the more technologically recent Frackers. Prospectors or Sourdoughs relate to the city's connection to the Klondike gold rush days. The largest shopping mall in North America is in the city, so the Mall Rats might do. Since many of Ukrainian ancestry live in the Edmonton area, could the Ukes be a possibility? There's one way to preserve a bit of alliteration. Since the largest ethnic group in Edmonton is European, call the team the Edmonton Euros.
posted by Howard_T at 11:09 PM on August 24, 2017
I'm so accustomed to the double "E" on the helmet that I hope they can find a team name that starts with "E" to keep the logo.
Can't imagine that Dan Snyder, snug in his own little private reality down in Washington DC, is losing any sleep over this.
posted by beaverboard at 04:22 AM on August 25, 2017
Well, if they do retire Eskimos then it's pretty obvious what name they have to take:
Rough Riders