Chief of Cherokee Nation Calls for Jeep to Stop Using Name

The top of the Cherokee Nation needs Jeep Cherokee’s to be a factor of the previous.

Chuck Hoskin Jr. says the tribe would really like the road’s title modified.

“I’m certain this comes from a spot that’s well-intended, nevertheless it doesn’t honor us by having our title plastered on the aspect of a automobile,” Hoskin, the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, told Automotive and Driver.

“The easiest way to honor us is to find out about our sovereign authorities, our function on this nation, our historical past, tradition, and language, and have significant dialogue with federally acknowledged tribes on cultural appropriateness.”

Hoskin, who couldn’t be reached, famous that a lot of corporations and organizations have modified names in latest months following Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.

“I feel we’re in a day and age on this nation the place it’s time for each firms and crew sports activities to retire the usage of Native American names, photographs, and mascots from their merchandise, crew jerseys, and sports activities usually,” he stated.

The assertion seems to mark the primary time the nation has pushed for Jeep to cease utilizing the Cherokee title.

Stellantis, the results of a latest merger between Groupe PSA and Fiat Chrysler Cars, owns Jeep.

A spokesperson informed information shops: “Our automobile names have been rigorously chosen and nurtured over time to honor and have a good time Native American folks for his or her the Aristocracy, prowess, and delight. We’re, greater than ever, dedicated to a respectful and open dialogue with Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.”

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is launched throughout a press preview on the 2018 North American Worldwide Auto Present in Detroit, Mich., on Jan. 16, 2018. (Jewel Samad/AFP through Getty Pictures)

In accordance with the Stellantis web site, the Jeep model, which it says is “the genuine SUV model since 1941,” is obtainable in over 140 international locations.

A number of strains inside the model, together with the brand new Grand Cherokee L, embrace the phrase Cherokee. The strains characteristic autos which have the phrase emblazoned on the aspect.

Cherokee Nation describes itself as the nation’s largest tribal authorities, boasting greater than 380,000 tribal residents. The sovereign authorities is predicated in Oklahoma, with residents strewn throughout the nation.

Hoskin was elected as principal chief in 2019, after serving because the nation’s secretary of state.