The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Sunday the team plans to open its home games and other events by reading an Indigenous land acknowledgment.
The hockey team committed on the first day of Native American Heritage Month to making a land acknowledgement, or “a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.”
In a statement, the Blackhawks said they “acknowledge that the team, its foundation, and the spaces we maintain, work, and complete within, stand upon the traditional homelands of the Miami, Sauk, Fox, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, and the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations.”
“We understand that this land holds immense significance for its original stewards, the Native Nations and peoples of this region,” the statement read.
The team said it recognizes the land as “an expression of gratitude and appreciation” to the Indigenous people.
“We would also like to recognize that our team’s namesake, Sauk War Leader Black Hawk, serves as a continuous reminder of our responsibility to the Native American communities we live amongst and draw inspiration from,” the statement continued.
The Blackhawks also announced other plans to celebrate and honor Indigenous people throughout the month, including by participating in education programs featuring Native American community members’ stories and life experiences on the team’s social media.
The Chicago Blackhawks announced earlier this year that it would not change its name despite the requests amid the protests over racial injustice. But it decided to ban fans from wearing headdresses when fans are allowed in-person again.
The Washington Redskins changed its name to the Washington Football Team this year after calls for action ramped up during the demonstrations.