GREEN BAY (NBC26) - "'Ukwe huwe Ni?i.’ That translates in the Oneida language to ‘I am an Oneida’,” said Bobbi Webster.
This Sunday, the Oneida Nation is making a statement. They're airing a new 30 second commercial on the jumbotron to show people, who they are. It'll air as the Packers take on the Washington Redskins.
“I think there's a movement across the country in regard to being respectful and having pride in who you are; which means you also have to reciprocate and respect and have pride in other people and do that for them,” Webster said, the public relations director for Oneida Nation.
The commercial is not controversial as it shows diversity among the Oneida Nation between careers, age and culture. But they did pick this game specifically to air it. Webster said it’s a community that needs to hear their message of who they are. The commercial taking up 30 seconds of your time, but hopefully making an impact that will last forever.
Webster adds that change is the big picture, and that Wisconsin has shown dramatic improvement over the last 20 years.
“So we're seeing changes in school districts to support abolishing derogatory mascots. It's not fair and it’s not respectful to any body, any group of people, anyone, that is shown in a cartoon caricature that's not very respectful. We would expect mutual respect from all of our neighbors, from the community, from everybody, sports teams, businesses, what have you.”
As the commercial looks to raise awareness to the Oneida Nation's heritage, the Green Bay Packers said they're proud to partner with them.
“The Oneida Nation has a rich history and are great members of our community in Northeastern Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers are proud to have them as partners and we support them in their effort to celebrate their heritage,” said the Director of Public Affairs Aaron Popkey.
A protest is expected outside Lambeau against the Washington Redskins' use of their name. It is not being hosted by the Oneida Nation; but they said they respect anyone's freedom of speech and assembly.
In regards to the protests, we did reach out to the Washington Redskins, but have not heard back.
Webster also adds ahead of Sunday’s game, “It’s important for the Oneida Nation to communicate this out to our greater community. We’ve been good neighbors in the past, we want to continue to be good neighbors and build partnerships. So it’s important that people understand this is something that defines who we are. This is something that’s important to everybody. We want to continue that partnership in the area. We want people to know the Oneida Nation is a very proud partner of the Green Bay Packers; we’re a proud partner of the local municipalities, and some of the businesses in the area.”
