Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, under growing pressure to change the franchise’s nickname, said Monday he will start a foundation designed to help Native Americans.
Snyder sent a letter to Redskins fans Monday night that detailed his plans for the Washington Redskins Original Americans Foundation. Snyder said the foundationn is a result from four months of visiting tribal reservations across the country.
Snyder said the team took a survey of tribes from 100 reservations across the country, trying to gauge their most pressing needs.
The Redskins’ nickname was first adopted in 1933 when the team was still in Boston.
Some Native American leaders escalated their fight, applying public pressure through pickets and media attention.
“The more I heard, the more I’ve learned, and the more I saw, the more resolved I became about helping to address the challenges that plague the Native American community,” Snyder said in his letter. “In speaking face-to-face with Native American leaders and community members, it’s plain to see they need action, not words.”
The letter said the foundation will be led by Gary Edwards, who is a Cherokee and retired deputy assistant director of the United States Secret Service. The letter states Edwards is founder and chief executive officer of the National Native American Law Enforcement Association.
Snyder last year sent a letter to season ticket-holders stating his reasoning for wanting to keep team’s name despite President Obama and other public officials suggesting that it is time to discard a term that some consider offensive.
“I’ve listened carefully to the commentary and perspectives on all sides, and I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name,” Snyder wrote to fans at the time. “But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too.”