Edmonton Eskimos survey fans regarding potential name change (& here’s what they asked)

The Edmonton Eskimos have sent a survey to its fans regarding a potential name change.

It is unclear who all received the survey, but 3DownNation has verified that some who received it were one-time ticket buyers — not season ticket holders.

3DownNation asked the club to clarify who received the survey but the team has yet to respond.

This questionnaire is being sent to our supporters like you and other key audiences to provide the team with up to date information about views on the question of the name of the team. As the matter is time sensitive we would very much appreciate it if you could take 3-4 minutes and complete the questionnaire at your earliest convenience. Your views will be collected by an independent research company, Abacus Data, and will remain anonymous.

What is your sex?

  • Male
  • Transgender Male
  • Gender Variant/Non-conforming
  • Other
  • Prefer not to answer

What age group are you in?

  • 18-29
  • 45-59
  • 60 and over

How closely have you been following the discussion about the name of the Edmonton Eskimos team?

Which of the following best describes how you relate to the team… die hard fan of the team, a follower or supporter, occasionally interested or not interested at all?

How many Edmonton Eskimos home game would you have attended in the last 3 years?

In a typical season, how many Edmonton Eskimos games would you watch on television?

Thinking about the name of the team, the Edmonton Eskimos, would you say you love it, like it, could take it or leave it, don’t really like it, hate it?

In the past, would you say you have been strongly in favour of keeping the current name of the team, somewhat inclined to want to keep the current name, really undecided, somewhat inclined to want a new name, or strongly inclined to want a new name?

In recent weeks would you say that your opinion has been shifting or not?

Are you becoming more inclined to want to see a name change or more inclined to want to see the current name remain?

If it were up to you, today, would you change the name of the team or keep the current name?

Thinking about the Eskimos name, do you think that name was considered offensive by Inuit or Indigenous people when it was originally chosen?

Do you believe that when the name was originally chosen, the intent was to be disrespectful of Inuit or Indigenous people?

Thinking about how the term comes across today, would you say that it is disrespectful of Inuit or Indigenous people.

Thinking about your circle of friends, acquaintances, family and contacts would you say they are generally in favour of changing the name or in favour of keeping the name?

Whose opinions would you say are most influential in shaping your thoughts about changing the name?
Check all that apply

If the team were to change names would it have any impact on your support for the team in terms of attending games…

If the team were to stick with the current name, the Eskimos, would that have any impact on your support for the team in terms of attending games…

All things considered, do you think it is best if the team keeps the Eskimo name or chooses a new name, and do you feel strongly or only slightly of that view?

I think it will be impossible for the team to move on without controversy unless the name is changed.

  • Strongly disagree
  • Disagree
  • Agree
  • Strongly agree

After the debate that has been happening it would be harder to feel good wearing Eskimos branded gear publicly.

  • Strongly disagree
  • Disagree
  • Agree
  • Strongly agree

I think there is too much “cancel culture” today.

  • Strongly disagree
  • Disagree
  • Agree
  • Strongly agree

I really believe the Eskimos name is a sign of respect for Inuit or Indigenous people.

  • Strongly disagree
  • Disagree
  • Agree
  • Strongly agree

It doesn’t matter what was originally intended, lots of things that we thought were ok in the past need to be re-thought because we are learning more about our history and past.

  • Strongly disagree
  • Disagree
  • Agree
  • Strongly agree

Have you been following the discussion about the Washington Redskins name?

If it were up to you, today, would you change the name of the Washington Redskins team or keep the name?

There has been a similar debate about the Chicago Blackhawks name…. If it were up to you, today, would you change the name of the Chicago Blackhawks team or keep the name?

The name Edmonton Eskimos was originally chosen more than 100 years ago out of acknowledgement, perseverance, and hardiness of Inuit culture. If the team celebrated and contributed to this more, do you think it is best if the team keeps the Eskimo name or chooses a new name, and do you feel strongly or only slightly of that view?

Which best describes the place where you live?

How long have you lived in Alberta?

Are you a season ticket holder to the Edmonton Eskimos?

John Hodge is a Canadian football reporter based in Winnipeg.