Update: The Press release has been released:
World Renowned Architect and Anishinaabe Elder Takes Action Against Racist Cleveland Team Name and Logo
TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ – World-renowned Canadian Architect and activist for Indigenous Peoples Douglas Cardinal formally demanded, today, that Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Team be barred from using the team name and the team’s racist “Chief Wahoo” logo in Ontario.
In an application before the Ontario Superior Court and complaints filed with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Mr. Cardinal cites the racist and discriminatory nature of the logo and name. He is demanding that the team, Major League Baseball, and Rogers Communications, which owns Toronto’s Rogers Center and broadcasts Blue Jays baseball, be immediately enjoined from using both in Ontario.
“Mr. Cardinal, who has long fought for the rights of Indigenous Peoples, has simply had enough,” said lawyer Michael Swinwood. “Canadian law clearly prohibits discrimination of this nature.”
“Use of the team name and the ‘Chief Wahoo’ logo clearly constitutes discrimination contrary to section 1 of the Ontario Human Rights Code and section 5 of the Canadian Human Rights Act,” said Swinwood. “It also violates my client’s right to equal treatment and the rights of Indigenous Peoples across Canada and everywhere else the name and logo are used.”
Douglas Cardinal is a globally prominent First Nations Canadian architect and Officer of the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest honors. His architectural work and his work as a vocal activist for Indigenous Peoples has led to countless additional honors and awards in Canada and around the world.
“Douglas Cardinal is also a baseball fan and he and people like him should not be subject to racial discrimination in the provision of a service, which is what is occurring in this case. Major league Baseball is a unique product but that does not give baseball teams license for such wanton discrimination,” said Swinwood.
This issue has already generated significant social media activity at #NotYourMascot. A hearing will be held on the application before the Superior Court of Justice this coming Monday at 10:00 a.m.
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