Exciting news for everyone following this petition! The Coalition of Natives and Allies (CNA), a Native American non-profit based in Philadelphia, has formally requested that the Devonport Warriors Basketball Club change both their name and logo. Insiders have revealed that the CNA has reached out to the club, Basketball Tasmania, and the Devonport City Council on multiple occasions via email, expressing concerns about the continued use of a Native American chieftain logo, which perpetuates harmful cultural appropriation.

In response to Warriors President Leanne Webb's comments in The Advocate about changing the logo but keeping the Warriors name, the CNA made their stance clear:

"There are several reasons why keeping the name 'Warriors', but just ending the logo, is not effective... Warrior is not going to mean white men in military helmets. The momentum and identity with that name is going to be a Native American warrior, something that would be very hard to fully stop. The only effective way to re-brand is with name and image alike. We support and encourage you to change your mascot name and logo."

This call comes as part of a growing global movement to retire Indigenous imagery from sports teams. Eleven US states have already passed legislation to end the use of Indigenous mascots, and major league teams like the Cleveland Guardians and Washington Commanders have successfully rebranded. Now, here in Australia, it’s time for the Devonport Warriors to consider the same positive change.

As the Warriors prepare to move into their new $60 million facility, the timing couldn’t be better for the club to embrace this change and lead by example. The support from CNA further strengthens our cause, and together we can encourage the Warriors to evolve in a way that honours both the past and the future.

Please continue to share the petition with your networks, and thank you so much for your ongoing support! Let’s keep pushing for positive change.