Minor league club Indianapolis Indians announce team name will not be changed

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The Pittsburgh Pirates' Triple-A affiliate Indianapolis Indians announced on Thursday that the franchise will not change its team name within the next two years.

While making the announcement, the minor league team also broke the news that it has partnered with the Miami Nation Indians of Indiana "as the organization explores and activates programs with the Miami."

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Indianapolis Indians pitcher John O'Reilly (31) in action during a MiLB game between the Memphis Redbirds and the Indianapolis Indians on June 24, 2022, at Victory Field in Indianapolis, IN. (Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"The partnership will include a land acknowledgement [sic], recognition of Miami veterans during Native American Heritage Night at Victory Field, support of the Miami scholarship program and fan educational opportunities.," the team said in a statement.

Brin Buchanan, the Chief of the Miami Nation Indians of Indiana, said he has "encouraged the team to remain the Indianapolis Indians" and does not "understand" the "reasoning" of wanting the name changed.

"We are grateful to the Indianapolis Indians for the opportunity to share our story with Hoosiers throughout central Indiana," said Buchanan. "When the history of Indiana is studied, the major influence of Native American people is seen in the names of Indiana cities, state parks, rivers, food, celebrations and other cultural points of interest."

"We are pleased to work with the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana to help educate our fans about the rich history and culture of its tribe," added Bruce Schumacher, Indians chairman and