Since 1939, indigineous groups in the United States have protested the name of Washington's National Football League team, the Redskins, saying it is offensive to native groups.

Although there are scores of sports teams across the US using indigenous names and mascots, the term "redskin" - coupled with the team's prominence - is considered particularly offensive to Native Americans.

For years, the team's owners have firmly refused any possibility of a name change, and current Redskins owner Dan Snyder, is no different.