Eskimos: change your name

[Belize City Lion]

When I was in elementary school we were taught about the Eskimos (people, not team). We watched Nanook of the North and other National FIlm Board of Canada documentaries about Eskimos. We learned about kyaks, seal hunting, and blubber. As kids we were fascinated by these exotic people known as Eskimos.

In grade 7 we were assigned pen pals from Chesterfield Inlet in Nunavut (then NWT). A group of students and teachers from Chesterfield Inlet actually came to North Delta (Hellings Elementary) for week. We got to meet real Eskimos in real life!

And yes my overuse of the word "Eskimo" in the above two paragraphs is deliberate.

"Eskimo" was the term that was used back then. It was what my generation (and previous generations) were taught. I don't know if my teachers were aware of the racist history of that word. I certainly don't recall any racist undertones in the lessons we received. Our pen pals from Chesterfield Inlet referred to themselves as Eskimos because that's what they too were taught about their own people. They too were not taught (many by non-indigenous teachers) the history of that word.

So when CFL fans, particularly white middle aged fans, defend keeping the Eskimo nickname as a sign of "respect" for the Inuit, it's because they were never taught that that word was actually an insult. When Inuit people themselves say they are OK with a CFL team being called Eskimos, it is because they were never aware of the history. And that doesn't make either group racist or self loathing. Just blissfully unaware.

The nickname Eskimo needs to be retired. It's an outdated relic of a colonial past. Canada is just starting to come to terms with the systemic racism (particularly in indigenous schools ) in our nation's history. They don't teach children about "Eskimos" in school today because we now know better.

[Murdoch]

Stealing one from indoor soccer: The Edmonton Honor

One I thought up on my own: The Eddies

[KnowItAll]

In keeping with the Empire theme, how about EWOKS

[Robbie]

It's official that the Washington Redskins will change their nickname and logo to a new name TBD. I wonder if this will cause a huge chain reaction with the changing of all remaining controversial sports team names.

[TheLionKing]

Heard that the new name will be the Redtails.

[Sir Purrcival]

Well, I guess once the name is changed, Mr. Snyder won't feel the need to donate to native causes any more. Every action has a consequence. In the years to come, I wonder if any of those charities will come to regret the loss of funds?

[Sir Purrcival]

Name suggestion. The Edmonton Endurance. Keep the same logo.

[B.C.FAN]

Name suggestion. The Edmonton Endurance. Keep the same logo.

There are lots of options for keeping the logo. I suggested Edmonton Elk. Others have said Edmonton Empire.

[KnowItAll]

I like Easy Riders

[maxlion]

I suspect the name will be Empire. Personally not a fan of empires. Not sure of the relevance to Edmonton other than it was a part of an empire, just like every corner of the globe? And starts with the letter E.

I prefer elk. Majestic animals. Are there many elk in Edmonton?

[TheLionKing]

How about Edmonton FC. ?

[Hambone]

How about Edmonton FC. ?

Too late. Edmonton FC already exists as a team in the CPL soccer league.

[Sir Purrcival]

I don't know about Empire. Aside from the obvious Star Wars parallels, Empire isn't exactly a positive connotation word. I mean if people are gonna complain about things like Avalanche because they kill people, what are people going to say about about a name that refers to a political structure ruled by a supreme leader/dictator. They already have the conservative party, how much more empire do they need or can stomach?

[BC 1988]

I would have laughed at the idea of EDM "Empire", since it's past use seemed to be more of a disparaging term (like the EE=Evil Empire).
https://www.esks.com/join-the-empire/
No idea how long that has been up, but it sure looks like they want everyone to embrace the Empire (Evil or otherwise).

https://www.ic.gc.ca/app/opic-cipo/trdm ... ng&tab=reg
EDIT: Ok it looks like they have been getting ready for this since March 2018--no doubt in reaction to the ongoing demands to drop the offending nickname.

[Robbie]

How about Edmonton FC. ?

Too late. Edmonton FC already exists as a team in the CPL soccer league.

Do you remember of cases in which a city had two sports teams with the same nickname?
I easily remember that for the city of St. Louis from 1960 to 1987, both their NFL football team and their MLB baseball team were named the Cardinals.

With regards to Edmonton's sports teams, their official name for their CPL soccer team is FC Edmonton:


And as such, Edmonton's CFL team can still be officially name Edmonton FC or Edmonton Football Club as they are still officially different and will be similar to Baltimore's CFL team in 1994 when they were officially called the Baltimore Football Club.