As someone who spent over a decade living on reservations, providing health care, and becoming part of Native communities, I feel compelled to say that Natives are not monolithic in their take on things like sports team or ski resort names. Those who have remained in their traditional communities and not migrated to cities tend to have views very different than today’s echo chamber of taking offense.
The most popular teams (as evidenced by clothing, bumper stickers, etc) were the Chiefs, Braves, Cowboys, Yankees (?), and the Redskins. That was a few years ago, but Indian Time doesn’t move at the same pace as it does off the rez. (Note, Chief Wahoo.was nowhere to be seen).
A dear friend is a medicine man for his tribe. I asked him what he thinks about the controversies surrounding sports teams.
“Any Indian who cares about that crap has spent too much time around white people.” IOW, there are more important things to worry about than some sports team logo when your people are struggling to survive and maintain their traditions.
Being offended is a choice people make, altogether too often nowadays, IMO. It’s not required and often misplaced.
So, the name Squaw Valley “is” offensive to some, but probably not all (or even close) Natives, particularly those who live traditional lifestyles.
