The term "Mohawk" is not the name that the tribe uses for themselves or for their language. Their name is Kanien'kehá:ka, meaning "People of the Flint"; "Mohawk," meanwhile, was a name used by their enemies and meaning "man eaters," implying cannibalism and savagery. There is discussion within the Kanien'kehá:ka community about the offensiveness of the term "Mohawk," and in some places steps have already been taken to change the term within local governance laws (see, for example, §6 of the Kahnawá:ke Membership Law, http://www.kahnawake.com/council/docs/MembershipLaw.pdf

It is our responsibility to respect the languages and cultures of the people who were here before us. A governmental recognition of such a name change is very important for showing such respect, and could also be a necessary first step in passing down more appropriate terminology to the general population.

Other sites and articles referencing the topic:

http://www.iberkshires.com/story/3666/Native-American-tells-why-some-of-his-people-are-offended-by-Mohawk-mascot.html

https://globegazette.com/news/local/mohawk-chief-on-mason-city-mascot-name-tribal-logos-stereotype/article_9b617e93-530d-5dc3-8e7d-f9fdec3776b4.html

https://kanienkeha.net/about/