There are more than 500 Native American nations in the United States. Each has a unique culture.
But a team name like “Indians” could make people think that all Native people belong to one group. And the teams’ mascots are often shown, wearing headdresses or holding weapons, like a tomahawk. That can lead people to think all Native Americans act the same.
“We’d rather that folks see us as individuals,” says Leah Salgado. She works to change how people think about Native Americans.
Salgado explains that Native Americans want what everyone does. “We all want to be treated with respect and love and dignity,” she says.