The Edmonton Football team will officially be known as the Elks.
This came after public outcry led the team to change its name from the Edmonton Eskimos last July.
The word Eskimo has been criticized as racist for years, but the club previously defended it — stating the name was appreciative, not insulting. As a result of the criticism the team launched a research process three years ago to discuss the meaning of the name with the communities it affected.
New Name. Same Game.
Let’s play some football. #ElksCharge pic.twitter.com/RhtwzcAmhv
— Edmonton Elks (@elks) June 1, 2021
In the release, the team said the adoption of the name 100 years ago “celebrated the hardiness and spirit of those who live in the North.”
However, last July, sponsors such as Belairdirect threatened to sever ties with the team if the name wasn’t changed.
In November 2020, the team held a public consultation to find a new name. Over 14,000 submissions were received, a press release says.
Outreach was done with the team’s season ticket holders, alumni, players, partners, coaches, and the general public.
The release says it became clear Elks was the most favourable choice.
