EDMONTON, Alberta — The Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League said they are dropping their nickname, following the move by Washington’s NFL team earlier this month, which agreed to drop its longtime nickname of Redskins.
The Edmonton franchise said Tuesday it will be known as the “Edmonton Football Team” or “EE Football Team” while it begins the process of finding a new nickname “befitting our storied team,” ESPN reported.
“People who defended the name only a year ago are less comfortable with it now,” team chairperson Janice Agrios said at a news conference. “Institutions are being renamed around the world. The change to our name is part of a sweeping societal change.”
WATCH: The Edmonton Eskimos are now the "Edmonton Football Team" while they look for a new name. CTV News Edmonton’s Carlyle Fiset reportshttps://t.co/vv0DdLFxc8
— CTV Edmonton (@ctvedmonton) July 22, 2020
The Eskimos nickname has been criticized as insensitive or racist, CBC reported. The word “Eskimos” is often used to refer to the native peoples of Alaska and northern Canada. Inuit is the preferred term, NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk reported.
Agrios said the team’s most recent opinion research showed that views about the name had shifted.
“No one event sparked the decision,” Agrios said. “We’ve had open conversations with partners, community and fans about this issue for several years now. We’re proud of the engagement that we’ve done.”
— EE Football Team (@EdmontonEsks) July 21, 2020
Edmonton has won the Grey Cup 11 times since the CFL was created in 1958 -- the most of any league franchise.
“Our team has a long history of winning -- both on and off the field -- and we will continue to do so going forward,” Agrios said. “We feel it is important to make this change in response to the findings of our recent engagement and research. Going forward, we want the focus to be on the work we do in the community and our team’s excellence on the field as the CFL’s most successful franchise.”
Chris Presson, Edmonton’s team president and CEO, called the name change monumental and historic, CBC reported.
“This is tough for longtime fans, no question, but here’s the thing: We’re all a team,” Presson said. “Our team, and game day itself, are designed to unite people, to bring people together for a half-day so they can leave their worries and struggles behind.”
Last week, Washington’s NFL franchise dropped its “Redskins” name after 87 years.
Washington officials said the team was retiring its name and logo and that owner Dan Snyder and coach Ron Rivera are working to develop a new nickname and design.
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