TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. issues the following statement on the Washington football organization retiring its Native mascot team name.

“Today is significant and historic for Indian Country. The battle over the Washington professional football team name and logo has been a decades-long struggle, but we have now taken a giant step forward. The organization listened to outside corporate pressure and abandoned a racial slur as its team name,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said. “Today’s announcement to retire the name out of respect sets a precedent that other teams who still use Native mascots in their names, imagery or team promotion should follow. We know fans who have grown up with this team may struggle with this change, but we hope they realize the significance it has for Natives and the understanding of Native Americans in today’s society. We thank the Washington football organization for finally doing the right thing. This name change shows honor and respect for Native people in this country. This action means the dialogue on this subject across the country will continue, as it must. Wado.”