There are some serious issues with how the recent article by Rodney Woods from The Advocate frames the ongoing debate surrounding the Devonport Warriors logo. The Coalition of Natives and Allies (CNA), a Native American nonprofit based in Philadelphia, has reached out to the relevant parties multiple times, formally requesting the Devonport Warriors change both their name and logo—this is the only story that should be front and centre. These are the voices that need to be heard. By not including the involvement of Native American voices at the heart of this issue, Woods' article actively silences the broader conversation surrounding cultural appropriation and the harm it causes.

Platforming a petition to keep the logo, while omitting the Indigenous perspective on why it’s harmful, is itself an example of racism by omission. That is, the omission allows voices supporting continued appropriation to overshadow those calling for respect and inclusivity. 

Woods' article goes as far as to compare petition numbers, which entirely misses the point. Numbers alone cannot foster genuine learning and development. Advocating for minority voices requires asking people in the majority and positions of power to listen to and consider ways of life that may not be familiar. It was never the intention of the petition to reduce this important conversation into a numbers game. However, Woods should have interrogated why this call for change exists in the first place—because Indigenous communities, both globally and locally, have spoken out against this type of cultural exploitation. Ultimately, the article misses an opportunity to highlight the importance and values of cultural respect and inclusivity.

However, the Devonport Warriors retain a unique opportunity to lead by example and show that Tasmania is part of this global shift towards respecting and listening to all cultures. Rebranding isn’t about erasing history—it’s about evolving and moving forward, and the Warriors can play a key role in this. Across the world, sports teams and organisations are rethinking the use of Indigenous imagery and mascots, recognising the importance of cultural respect and sensitivity. In the US, eleven states have banned Indigenous mascots, and teams like the Cleveland Guardians and Washington Commanders are only two high-profile examples of this shift. Overseas, countries like New Zealand and Canada have also taken steps to address similar concerns.

For those of you who have supported this cause, I encourage you to continue sharing the petition and spreading the word. Let’s keep the momentum going by contacting Devonport City Council, Basketball Tasmania, and the Warriors’ leadership to encourage meaningful dialogue respectfully. The more people engage, the more we can work towards positive change.

You can copy and paste the message below to directly email the City of Devonport, Basketball Tasmania and the Warriors’ leadership:

ajarman@devonport.tas.gov.au, ben.smith@basketballtas.com.au, office@devonportwarriors.com.au

Subject: Support for Rebranding the Devonport Warriors Name and Logo

Dear Alison Jarman, Ben Smith, and Leanne Webb,

I am writing to respectfully encourage the City of Devonport, Basketball Tasmania, and the Devonport Warriors leadership to commence a dialogue with the Coalition of Natives and Allies and seriously consider rebranding the club’s name and logo. The current logo, featuring a Native American chieftain in a headdress, perpetuates cultural appropriation, and its continued use sends the wrong message about inclusivity and respect for all cultures.

This is not just a local issue—teams around the world, including the Cleveland Guardians and Washington Commanders, have recognised the need to move away from such imagery. It’s time for the Devonport Warriors to follow suit and lead by example in Tasmania.

A rebrand would not erase the club’s history, but rather, demonstrate a commitment to cultural respect and progress. I encourage you to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Coalition of Natives and Allies, who have already reached out to offer their guidance and support on this issue. Together, we can work towards a positive future for the club and the community.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Thank you again for your continued support. Together, we can advocate and encourage the Devonport Warriors to engage in meaningful dialogue with the CNA. This isn’t about petition numbers or erasing the club’s history—it’s about respect for all.