“I am very, very honored that they would use the name,” Spirit Lake member Eunice Davidson told The New York Times.

Even some Native American groups view mascots as a source of pride.

Many people see this as a sign of respect (honor) for the Native Americans, also known as American Indians.

Even though many American Indian mascots war feathered headdresses and war paint. They often carry tomahawks. Opponents of these mascots say they show American Indian culture in a cartoonish way, people only let themselves believe that they are cartoonish. It could very well be that they are trying to show a child friendly look or maybe the American Indian culture has a friendly/cartoonish look and they are trying to make it look as exact as they possibly can.

Redskins owner Snyder says the team’s first roster in 1933 included four Native American players, and that the name is a proud reminder of its roots and a tribute to American Indians.

“Our team name captures the best of who we are and who we can be by staying true to our history and honoring the deep and enduring values our name represents,” Snyder said in a letter on the NFL’s website earlier this year.