Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans

It's no secret—the [URL="http://bleacherreport.com/washington-redskins"]Washington Redskins[/URL]' nickname is controversial.
But in a letter sent to the team's fans, [URL="http://files.redskins.com/pdf/Letter-from-Dan-Snyder-032414.pdf"]via Redskins.com[/URL], owner Dan Snyder wrote that Native American communities "face much harsher, much more alarming realities," claiming that "our team's name" is not one of the issues.
As a result, he is creating the Washington Redskins Original Americans Foundation, with the mission statement of the group reading as follows:[INDENT] [I]The mission of the Original Americans Foundation is to provide meaningful and measurable
resources that provide genuine opportunities for Tribal communities. With open arms and determined minds, we will work as partners to begin to tackle the troubling realities facing so many tribes across our country. Our efforts will address the urgent challenges plaguing Indian country based on what Tribal leaders tell us they need most. We may have created this new organization, but the direction of the Foundation is truly theirs.[/I]
[/INDENT]Good move.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

Here we go. Yes, it's a PR move and yes, it will actually do some good. Doesn't have to be an either/or thing.

The other side is going to crush Dan Snyder for this, but at the end of the day, what are they doing to help the real causes of American Indians? Not a damn thing.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

Just tell the people that you're not changing the name and if they don't like it, tough. This fake PR stunt really isn't going to change anything.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

Kudos to Dan!!

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

The media won't care. They'll just call him a hypocrite. This is one of their "pet crusades," and they're not going to give it up. If Snyder can keep this up and keep the name/trademark, then awesome, but the bleeding hearts of ESPN, Bob Costas, etc. won't give this up. I don't think the name will change anytime soon but if/when the trademark is revoked or Snyder sells, I fear the name will change.

[QUOTE=skinsfan69;1065261]Just tell the people that you're not changing the name and if they don't like it, tough. This fake PR stunt really isn't going to change anything.[/QUOTE]
If it is JUST a PR stunt it will backfire quickly, however, if he and the Redskins organization does what he outlines, and invests in the tribes across the country then I imagine they would be strong allies in shutting down the few who keep the name in the news.

Regardless, this sounds like a very positive move and I hope hundreds, thousands, or more who are suffering find help they need from this foundation.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

Hopefully this is more than a pr move, it's also a move that should've been done a long time ago. I really for DS's sake this is one of those charities where the majority of funds are actually spent on charityinstead of on the organization itself. This won't settle the argument by a long shot, but it will definitely help the cause.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

This is something that Snyder and Co. should have done years ago, because after all the publicity over the controversy lately I think this may be considered too little too late by most.
Having said that, it's hard to argue with real results so we'll see...

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=44Deezel;1065260]Here we go. Yes, it's a PR move and yes, it will actually do some good. Doesn't have to be an either/or thing.

The other side is going to crush Dan Snyder for this, but at the end of the day, what are they doing to help the real causes of American Indians? Not a damn thing.[/quote]

My thoughts exactly. Can't wait to hear the media spin on this...

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

I think it's a little cynical to blow it off as purely a PR move. If something positive can come from this name debate issue, that's a good thing regardless.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

I'd like to know about the structure of the organization. Are native people identifying problems and implementing solutions? Or is this a bunch of white folks yet again telling Indians what to do?

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

It's the thought that counts.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;1065267]If it is JUST a PR stunt it will backfire quickly, however, if he and the Redskins organization does what he outlines, and invests in the tribes across the country then I imagine they would be strong allies in shutting down the few who keep the name in the news. [/quote]


It won't matter what he does. They'll continue to beat him down until he cries uncle. They feed off of negativity so that's what they'll write about.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

I called this last year and glad to see something like this set up. Hopefully the community will embrace it and get to know the Indians real problems. Also hope the foundation is true in its goal.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

Washington Post Headline: "In an effort to deflect criticism from using a racial epithet, Dan Snyder attempts to buy off Native American tribes with the 21st century equivalent of fire water."

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;1065312]Washington Post Headline: "In an effort to deflect criticism from using a racial epithet, Dan Snyder attempts to buy off Native American tribes with the 21st century equivalent of fire water."[/quote]Did Leslie Knope write that headline? How many words is that?!?!

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

Original Americans Foundation

O.A.F.

Says it all really. :smashfreak:

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;1065267][B]If it is JUST a PR stunt it will backfire quickly, [/B]however, if he and the Redskins organization does what he outlines, and invests in the tribes across the country then I imagine they would be strong allies in shutting down the few who keep the name in the news.

Regardless, this sounds like a very positive move and I hope hundreds, thousands, or more who are suffering find help they need from this foundation.[/quote]

Whether it is or it isn't, Snyder should come out and talk about it, not the PR guy, or Bruce Allen. Just say something sincere. Writing out a statement and saying, "Indians have more important issues to worry about then the Redskins name" is a very weak back handed comment. He may mean well, but come out, quit hiding and talk in front of some cameras. Let people see your expressions and your real emotions and he might win some people over. But it's always some BS, corporate statement, or management that talks for him.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

HTTR24-7 twitter makes a great point, "you never hear these bitches hating on the Snyders for leading the breast cancer charge in the NFL, or for the work he does for children's hospitals."

Snyder has a proven record of helping others, why are people so down on this? I believe D.S. will make this foundation a winner and bring awareness and funds to help. Time for rich white people to pull out their check books and their head out their asses and see if they can make a difference about real native american issues.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=Lotus;1065299]I'd like to know about the structure of the organization. Are native people identifying problems and implementing solutions? Or is this a bunch of white folks yet again telling Indians what to do?[/quote]

From [URL="http://www.scribd.com/doc/214333381/Letter-From-Dan-Snyder-032414"]Dan Snyder's letter[/URL]:
[quote]The mission of the Original Americans Foundation is to provide meaningful and measurable resources that provide genuine opportunities for Tribal communities. With open arms and determined minds, we will work as partners to begin to tackle the troubling realities facing so many tribes across our country. Our efforts will address the urgent challenges plaguing Indian country based on what Tribal leaders tell us they need most. We may have created this new organization, but the direction of the Foundation is truly theirs[/quote]

and

[quote]Because I’m so serious about the importance of this cause, I began our efforts quietly and respectfully, away from the spotlight, to learn and take direction from the Tribal leaders themselves. In addition to travelling and meeting in-person with Tribal communities, we took a survey of tribes across 100 reservations so that we could have an accurate assessment of the most pressing needs in each community[/quote]

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

I don't see how anyone with any compassion can go to a reservation and not want to help. I'm cynical of the motives behind a lot of foundations but if it helps others then it shouldn't matter.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;1065278]T[B]his is something that Snyder and Co. should have done years ago[/B], because after all the publicity over the controversy lately I think this may be considered too little too late by most.
Having said that, it's hard to argue with real results so we'll see...[/quote]

Completely agree. Whether it would have been grounded in crass PR interests or legitimate concern for Native Americans, there was an easy way to have stayed ahead of this story before opposition snowballed in the way it has over the last year or two--it's not as if this opposition only recently developed its existence.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=rypper11;1065319][B]I don't see how anyone with any compassion can go to a reservation and not want to help.[/B] I'm cynical of the motives behind a lot of foundations but if it helps others then it shouldn't matter.[/quote]

I kind of wonder where all the money goes and how it gets divided up. I have only been to Indian reservations in California in fact I used to live a few miles from one 30 years ago. On a lot of them there are large elaborate casinos that appear very busy, also they sell drinks unlike Las Vegas casinos that give them away. Also and I am sure this is true in other areas the Cahuilla Indians own 50 square miles in the Palm Springs area (Desert resort town) so they lease land to local businesses and also own golf courses open to the public.

Seems odd the wealth some of the Indian tribes control yet most of the residential areas on the reservations I have been on look like slums. I think the tribal leaders are probably corrupt and not spreading the wealth beyond their inner circle.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;1065312]Washington Post Headline: "In an effort to deflect criticism from using a racial epithet, Dan Snyder attempts to buy off Native American tribes with the 21st century equivalent of fire water."[/quote]



by: Mike Wise

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

What I wonder is... what happens if the Redskins are finally forced to change their name, will Snyder put an axe to this foundation lol.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

Wow, derned if you do, derned if you don't. Snyder is doing something positive for these tribes. Tell me who else is actually stepping up to the plate, other than complaining about a sports franchise's name?

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

I don't believe that this is strictly a PR move. Yet, once again Snyder came across as self-serving because he just couldn't leave the team name issue out of it when he announced the creation of the foundation. That was plain stupid. He should have announced the foundation and commented only on the foundation and his personal motivation to help Native Americans.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=NC_Skins;1065325]by: Mike Wise[/quote]

El Douche!!

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;1065337]I don't believe that this is strictly a PR move. Yet, once again Snyder came across as self-serving because he just couldn't leave the team name issue out of it when he announced the creation of the foundation. That was plain stupid. He should have announced the foundation and commented only on the foundation and his personal motivation to help Native Americans.[/quote]

If he left that part out pretty sure he'd be getting ripped a new one for not being honest and up front about it.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=Mattyk;1065346]If he left that part out pretty sure he'd be getting ripped a new one for not being honest and up front about it.[/quote]

People will pick everything the man does apart. Why can't people just focus on the fact that someone is doing something to help those in need?

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

Im done with the whole racial name change, "lets outlaw the word bossy", lets add 5 actual sexes to the list movements slash political correctness crap. Im so tired of talking about it, and the idiots that do most of the complaining about any of these pseudo "issues" aren't even the target demographic, or a recipient of the problem or slur.

Kudos Dan. Do what the hell you want to do with your boatloads of money. Fight cancer, give to indians (surprised people aren't trying to bbq him over not calling them "native americans") and do some good in this world where every move is criticized and spun in a negative way for a headline by vultures mostly out for themselves. So tired of the fake outrage in this country, it makes me physically ill thinking about some of these idiots and their "crusades" about something that means nothing at the end of the day.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

I have heard every racial slur under the sun, yet never have heard the term Redskin uttered unless someone was talking about the football team. I think some people need to get a real cause to fight over.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=skinsguy;1065353]People will pick everything the man does apart. Why can't people just focus on the fact that someone is doing something to help those in need?[/quote]

I think it is great that Snyder wants to add Indian causes to his philanthropy. I just hope he does it in the optimal gift-granting way. It is easy for unfocused charities to become inefficient and, in this specific case, fall into repeating historical errors.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

If the Redskins name goes then I want the state of Oklahoma to change their name and I want the Yankees to go as well!!! I am offended when other countries call me a yank!

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

There is so many women that are raped and abused in their own land. The men have lost their way. Its a f-ing free for all in most tribes. All women who live in these tribes across the country are freely abused at a tinder age. There is a blind fold over everything in the community. If DS can make a change lets get behind him. We talk BS about the man, but he could be actually sincere about his motives. I really like what he is trying to pull off. Google some of the Atrocities that actually happen there. I really like the feeling of us as a nation, A Skin Nation we should ride with our owner on this 1.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

I think Dan's efforts are noble and should be recognized by the media. The one thing that Dan should have done though, is to have kept this low key. He shouldn't have even announced the foundation or wrote a letter. Dan isn't going to get the benefit of the doubt with the media after all the shit he's done during his tenure. So anything like this is going to be viewed as self-serving. Can you really blame the media after all that Dan has done the past decade? Not in the slightest. It is what it is, and it's never going to change for Dan in that regards. (not in near future anyways) Dan made his bed long ago, now he's going to have to sleep in it.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

Why would you not announce the establishment of a charitable foundation??

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

If he didnt announce it, it would just look like a straight payoff or hush money. Dan is never going to win with the media so it really doesnt concern him. He's doing the right thing and think he's gonna put alot of time and energy into the foundation. This isnt just a PR stunt.

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=NC_Skins;1065385]I think Dan's efforts are noble and should be recognized by the media. The one thing that Dan should have done though, is to have kept this low key. He shouldn't have even announced the foundation or wrote a letter. Dan isn't going to get the benefit of the doubt with the media after all the shit he's done during his tenure. So anything like this is going to be viewed as self-serving. Can you really blame the media after all that Dan has done the past decade? Not in the slightest. It is what it is, and it's never going to change for Dan in that regards. (not in near future anyways) Dan made his bed long ago, now he's going to have to sleep in it.[/quote]

Well he never announced the months he spent visiting the reservations

Re: Redskins' Dan Snyder Announces Creation of Foundation to Help Native Americans
 

[quote=Mattyk;1065413]Why would you not announce the establishment of a charitable foundation??[/quote]



I have no good answer for that because I think Dan is going to get slammed regardless in this situation. That's what happens when you squander all your good will towards the public and press early on. Live and learn.