The Chiefs and American Indian Community Working Group, in association with the American Indian Center of the Great Plains, are "celebrating November as American Indian Heritage Month," according to Randy Covitz of the K.C. STAR. The Chiefs have "been under pressure by some organizations to change their nickname, but the club is working with American Indian groups to honor their traditions." This week’s celebration began yesterday and "will culminate with the team’s American Indian Heritage Month game on Sunday" when the Chiefs face the Jets at Arrowhead Stadium. On Sunday, American Indian Heritage Month "will be celebrated in a number of ways at Arrowhead." Outside the stadium at Gate G, the American Indian Community Working Group will "have a table in the Ford Fan Experience for cultural awareness." Inside the stadium there will be a "number of blessings and special celebrations," including a "blessing of the Four Directions" and drum blessing ceremony. Also included is a song in recognition of former K.C. Mayor H. Roe "Chief" Bartle, "for whom the Chiefs are named." The National Anthem also will be performed by Tabitha Fair, an Oklahoma native "of Chickasaw descent and the Chickasaw Nation Youth Choir" (KANSASCITY.com, 10/28).
RALLYING POINT: USA TODAY's Erik Brady notes protesters "will hold a 'No Honor in Racism' rally Sunday" when the Vikings host the Redskins at TCF Bank Stadium at the Univ. of Minnesota. The NFL is "discovering the name controversy plays far differently on a college campus, especially in a state where 100,000 Native Americans live." UM has a "history of student activism," and rally organizers "expect the largest demonstrations yet" against the Redskins name. There were "roughly 700 at the Metrodome last year" for a name protest. U.S. Rep Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) said that she will be "among Sunday's protesters." She has "pressed Minnesota about allowing the game, and the name, on campus" (USA TODAY, 10/29).
