NCAI call on Exeter Chiefs to drop Native American branding

Desiderio, NCAI chief executive, wants the club to drop logo and headdresses

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has called on Exeter Chiefs to drop their Native American branding.

In a letter to the club, Desiderio, NCAI chief executive, asked Exeter to drop their logo, the use of headdresses and venue names such as the 'Wigwam Bar'.

He wrote: " Out of respect for tribal sovereignty, we ask that you heed the voices of tribal leaders representing hundreds of Tribal Nations and the organizations that serve their citizens - not the voices of a few select individuals - when working to understand where Indian Country broadly stands on this issue.

"Please know the NCAI is committed to working with the Exeter Rugby Club to aid in its mascot branding transition, including offering a tribal leader to share with your leadership, club members, and/or the Exeter community our perspective on this important issue.

"The NCAI requests your support to retire all of the Native “themed” imagery associated with the mascot branding of the Exeter “Chiefs” Rugby Club."

You can read the full letter HERE. 

Issues around Exeter's branding will be discussed by club members at their annual general meeting on Wednesday, 24 November.