Blackhawks Facing Lawsuit From Former Native Employee

By Isaac White

Nina Sanders, an Apsáalooke curator and advocate, has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Team, Inc., the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, and their CEO, Daniel Wirtz. Filed on May 14, 2024, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, the lawsuit alleges a series of broken promises related to employment and initiatives intended to honor Native American culture and heritage.

This case emerges amid heightened scrutiny of how sports organizations use Native American names and imagery, placing the Blackhawks under the spotlight for not only their corporate practices but also their cultural sensitivities.

Plaintiff Nina Sanders, a distinguished curator and educator of Apsáalooke heritage, stands at the forefront of this litigation. Known for her scholarly contributions and curatorial excellence in the realm of Native American art, Sanders played a pivotal role in fostering awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultures through her work with prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian and the Field Museum. Her advocacy extends beyond the arts, delving into the socio-political arenas where Native American rights are contested and negotiated.

Sanders is facing off with the Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Team, Inc., its philanthropic counterpart, the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, and Daniel Wirtz, the organization's CEO. These defendants represent not only a major sports franchise with a storied legacy in the National Hockey League but also a focal point of ongoing cultural debates over the use of Native American symbols in sports. The litigation places these entities under scrutiny for their purported commitments to cultural sensitivity and ethical engagement with the communities whose heritages they claim to honor.

At the heart of Nina Sanders' lawsuit are allegations that encapsulate a spectrum of broken promises and unfulfilled commitments, purportedly made to enhance the representation and respect of Native American cultures within the Blackhawks organization. Sanders contends that Daniel Wirtz, acting as an agent of the Blackhawks, offered her a position predicated on specific assurances that aimed to bridge the cultural gap between the organization and Native American communities.

These assurances included the creation of new roles within the Blackhawks dedicated to Native American initiatives, the implementation of educational programs on Native American history, and significant steps toward changing the team’s controversial logo and mascot.

Furthermore, Sanders alleges that these commitments were not merely organizational enhancements but were essential stipulations that induced her to join the Blackhawks, despite her initial reservations about associating with a franchise that has historically utilized Native American imagery.

The crux of her claim is that these promised actions were either not taken or were superficially executed, rendering her role ineffective and ultimately leading to her professional and personal detriment. This breach, she asserts, reflects a broader pattern of exploitation and disregard for Native American identities and voices within the realm of corporate sports.

The lawsuit also extends to allegations of a hostile work environment, detailing incidents of sexual harassment and misconduct that Sanders claims were inadequately addressed by the Blackhawks' management, further exemplifying the organization's failure to safeguard its employees. This aspect of her complaint not only underscores the alleged negligence but also paints a troubling picture of systemic issues within the organization that extends beyond cultural insensitivity.

In her lawsuit against the Chicago Blackhawks, Nina Sanders articulates a series of detailed allegations that paint a picture of broken promises and misconduct within the organization. Central to her claims is an alleged breach of an oral contract by Daniel Wirtz, who purportedly offered commitments to integrate and respect Native American cultures within the team's framework.

These commitments included the establishment of roles dedicated to Native American initiatives, the development of educational programs on Native American histories and issues, revisions to the team’s contentious logo, and the creation of opportunities for Native American artists in team merchandising.

Sanders asserts that these promises were not merely unmet but were never intended to be fulfilled, constituting fraud and fraudulent inducement. She argues that the organization used her standing within the Native American community as a shield against criticism, all the while planning to maintain the status quo.

Additionally, the complaint extends to accusations of creating and maintaining a hostile work environment, highlighted by reports of sexual harassment that, according to Sanders, were systematically ignored or mishandled by the Blackhawks’ management.

Through these allegations, Sanders seeks to hold the Blackhawks accountable for what she describes as a deceptive and harmful exploitation of her expertise and identity.

Sanders articulates a series of detailed allegations that paint a picture of broken promises and misconduct within the organization. Central to her claims is an alleged breach of an oral contract by Daniel Wirtz, who purportedly offered commitments to integrate and respect Native American cultures within the team's framework.

These commitments included the establishment of roles dedicated to Native American initiatives, the development of educational programs on Native American histories and issues, revisions to the team’s contentious logo, and the creation of opportunities for Native American artists in team merchandising.

Sanders asserts that these promises were not merely unmet but were never intended to be fulfilled, constituting fraud and fraudulent inducement. She argues that the organization used her standing within the Native American community as a shield against criticism, all the while planning to maintain the status quo.

Additionally, the complaint extends to accusations of creating and maintaining a hostile work environment, highlighted by reports of sexual harassment that, according to Sanders, were systematically ignored or mishandled by the Blackhawks’ management.

Nina Sanders seeks a comprehensive range of remedies for the alleged damages she endured due to the actions and inactions of the Chicago Blackhawks. She claims that the unfulfilled promises and the hostile work environment not only tarnished her professional reputation but also caused significant emotional distress.

As part of her legal action, Sanders is requesting monetary compensation for these damages, alongside punitive measures against the defendants to prevent future misconduct. She also seeks enforceable changes within the Blackhawks organization to ensure greater accountability and protection for employees, reflecting a commitment to rectify the systemic issues highlighted by her case.

The lawsuit filed by Nina Sanders against the Chicago Blackhawks serves as a chance to engage in broader discourse on the treatment of Native Americans within major institutions and the handling of workplace misconduct.

The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how cultural sensitivities and employee grievances for Native Americans are addressed in similar high-profile environments. As the court proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the potential implications for corporate governance and ethical conduct in the sports industry and beyond.