The
Edmonton Eskimos were a professional Canadian football team based in
Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada. They were a founding member of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and had a storied history that spanned over 70 years. The team was established in
1949 and quickly became one of the most successful franchises in CFL history.
The Eskimos enjoyed a period of dominance during the
1970s and
1980s, winning multiple Grey Cups and becoming one of the most respected teams in the league. They had a strong fan base and played their home games at Commonwealth Stadium, which was known for its passionate and dedicated supporters.
However, in recent years, the team faced some controversy regarding their name, "Eskimos." Some Indigenous groups and individuals considered the term a racial slur and called for the team to change its name. The organization engaged in discussions with these groups and decided to retire the name in
2020, replacing it with the
Edmonton Football Team until a new name is chosen.
In
2021, the team officially announced its new name, the
Edmonton Elks. The change was made to respect the concerns of Indigenous communities and to promote inclusivity and diversity. The
Edmonton Elks continue to carry the legacy of the previous franchise, with a renewed focus on building a strong and united football community in
Edmonton.