The Cherokee Nation asked Jeep to stop using its name on a car model.
“I’m sure this comes from a place that is well-intended, but it does not honor us by having our name plastered on the side of a car,” Chuck Hoskin Jr., principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, told Car and Driver. “The best way to honor us is to learn about our sovereign government, our role in this country, our history, culture, and language, and have meaningful dialogue with federally recognized tribes on cultural appropriateness.”
Jeep has been building cars called the Grand Cherokee for 45 years and is ready to release a 2022 model.
“I think we’re in a day and age in this country where it’s time for both corporations and team sports to retire the use of Native American names, images, and mascots from their products, team jerseys, and sports in general,” Hoskin said.
LAND O’LAKES DITCHES ICONIC NATIVE AMERICAN BUTTER MAIDEN LOGO AFTER NEARLY A CENTURY
His comments come after a summer of riots and protests for racial justice. The summer of unrest sparked a wave of companies, sports teams, and schools changing their names for ties to slavery or perceived racism, including Land O’Lakes, which used a Native American woman on its products.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Jeep responded to Hoskin’s statement by saying the company is open to a “dialogue” about the matter.
“Our vehicle names have been carefully chosen and nurtured over the years to honor and celebrate Native American people for their nobility, prowess, and pride. We are, more than ever, committed to a respectful and open dialogue with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr,” Jeep said in a statement.
