The Fort Yuma Quechan (Kwatsan) Tribe, nestled along the Arizona-California border, found itself presented with an intriguing proposal: a memorial skate park built on their reservation courtesy of the Original Americans Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Washington Redskins. The offer, delivered by representatives of the foundation, came with assurances of "no strings attached," sparking both interest and skepticism within the tribal community. This article delves into the details of the offer, the reactions it elicited, and the broader context of the foundation’s activities amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the Washington Redskins team name.
The initial encounter occurred during a meeting at the tribal administration building. Kenrick Escalanti, president of Kwatsan Media Inc. and a member of the Quechan Tribe, was present at two meetings with representatives from the Original Americans Foundation. According to Escalanti, the foundation representatives explicitly stated that the project would be entirely funded by them, requiring no financial contribution, endorsement, or public support of the Washington Redskins franchise or its highly debated team name from the tribe. The representatives, including executive director Gary Edwards and director Karl Schreiber, even presented digital renderings of the proposed skate park, showcasing designs that prominently featured the burgundy and gold colors associated with the Washington NFL team.
Despite the seemingly generous offer, a sense of unease permeated the discussions. Escalanti, whose organization is actively fundraising for its own skate park project, expressed reservations. He alluded to a perceived "track record" of the foundation, suggesting that the offer might not be as altruistic as it appeared. "We know bribe money when we see it," Escalanti stated, highlighting a concern that the foundation’s motives extended beyond pure philanthropy.
Tribal administrator Vernon Smith echoed this sentiment, noting that while the foundation representatives assured the tribe of no stipulations, he had heard conflicting accounts from other tribes that had previously received assistance from the organization. The tribe adopted a cautious approach, politely acknowledging the offer and stating they would consider it further.
The Original Americans Foundation, established by Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, aims to support Native American communities through various initiatives. The foundation has asserted that its mission is to improve the quality of life for Native Americans, focusing on projects identified and requested by the tribes themselves. In response to inquiries about the meeting with the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe, the foundation issued a statement emphasizing that tribal leaders had invited them to discuss projects needing funding. The statement further claimed that the tribe did not object to working with the foundation during the on-site discussion. The foundation also highlighted its extensive work with over 40 tribes, encompassing more than 145 projects, while reaffirming its policy of not disclosing private conversations with tribal leaders.
Escalanti’s account of the meetings provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the Original Americans Foundation. He revealed that the representatives mentioned having 147 projects lined up with approximately 40 tribes across the country, adding that around 100 tribes, including the Quechan, had participated in a survey to identify their needs.
While the foundation representatives refrained from specifying a dollar amount for the proposed skate park, Escalanti noted that the estimated budget for the Quechan Memorial Skatepark was $250,000. He recounted that the foundation offered to cover the entire cost, essentially presenting a "blank check." Kwatsan Media Inc. is actively soliciting donations for the skate park, which is intended to serve as a memorial dedicated to suicide prevention among Native youth.
Escalanti described a moment during the meeting when he mentioned the skate park’s dedication to fallen Native youth. He claimed that the foundation representatives’ eyes "opened up big, like they could smell good PR," further fueling his suspicions about their underlying motives.
During the initial meeting, one tribal council member directly questioned the foundation representatives about the team’s sudden interest in Native American causes. Escalanti quoted Edwards as saying that they had "always cared" and that the initiative was unrelated to the controversy surrounding the team name. Edwards reportedly attributed the heightened focus on Native American issues to the team’s and the NFL’s diversity policy.
Escalanti said the representatives cited examples of previous assistance provided to other tribes, including backhoes, jackets, and boots. He noted that they repeatedly mentioned various tribes and tribal presidents, despite assuring the Quechan that the source of funding for the skate park could remain confidential.
Edwards also directly addressed the team name issue, according to Escalanti. He reportedly stated that he was a "proud ‘redskin’" and that the controversy was a "non-issue." He allegedly dismissed the term as a slur, asserting that it represented "pride, courage, and intelligence." Edwards further suggested that those who opposed the name were part of a "white, liberal agenda."
Escalanti concluded his account by recounting Edwards’ impassioned plea for Native American strength against perceived "white aggression." He quoted Edwards as saying, "We need to get stronger, because if we don’t, they will annihilate us."
The offer from the Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder’s foundation to build a skate park on Fort Yuma Quechan Reservation presents a complex scenario. The tribe is faced with a potentially beneficial offer that could provide a valuable recreational space for its youth, while simultaneously grappling with concerns about the foundation’s motives and the broader context of the controversial team name. The decision of whether to accept the offer remains with the Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe, a decision that will undoubtedly be carefully weighed against the potential benefits and perceived risks. This incident also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Washington Redskins team name and its impact on Native American communities, and the role of philanthropy in addressing these complex issues. The Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder’s foundation has made numerous philanthropic efforts with Native American tribes. Whether or not this offer for the Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder’s foundation will be accepted remains to be seen.