Expert on impact of racist team names, logos and mascots on Indigenous Peoples

The following University of Victoria expert is available to media to discuss this week’s announcements that the Washington Redskins and the Saanich Braves, under increasing public and financial pressure, will change their names. 

Paul Whitinui (School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education) is an Indigenous Māori scholar from Aotearoa (New Zealand), and is an expert in sport and leisure, Indigenous health and development, and Indigenous teacher education. He can discuss the context of sports teams changing—or refusing to change—their racist and misappropriated logos, names or brands. He can also comment on the role of sports teams and mascots in building positive relationships and enhancing the Mana, or spiritual energy, of communities and sports we love and enjoy, as discussed in The Conversation Canada today. (Contact: whitinui@uvic.ca)