Natives in Tech, a charity founded to empower Native Americans by organizing networking events among other initiatives, has called on The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) to change its name out of respect for the indigenous culture that is said to be appropriate.
In blog post (opens in a new tab)the group criticizes Apache for not adhering to its code of conduct, quoting the words of the tech company: “be careful of words that [they] to choose”.
The name of the company is said to have come about when co-founder Brian Behlendorf watched a documentary about the famous Native American chief Geronimo.
Apache change
According to Behlendorf, what happened to the Apaches by the Westerners who colonized the United States “almost romantically reflected what he felt [the company was] with this web server project.
The article accuses Behlendorf of indigenous erasure: a process of “removing, reframing and undermining indigenous presence, past and present”, highlighting eight federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona that are today called Apaches.
“We’ve been asked at times about claims about the use of the name ‘Apache’ by Apache Native American communities,” an excerpt from the company Web page (opens in a new tab) reads.
“In twenty-five years of using the word ‘Apache’ as part of its name, ASF has never been involved in any legal dispute with Native American communities or any other party regarding the use of the name ‘Apache’.
As the company says, this is not the first time ASF has come under fire for its name and related images. According to another contributor, his feathered logo had previously been challenged as an “Indian” stereotype. internet postwhich calls for an end to the use of Native American names, images, and mascots by sports companies and teams.
ASF spokesman said TechRadar Pro“We hear Native American concerns and we listen. As a non-profit run by volunteers, changes will take time to be carefully considered by members, management and our legal team. Our members are exploring alternative ways to address this, but we have nothing to share at this time.”