Ontario Supreme Court denies activist's request to ban 'Indians' during ALCS

The Cleveland Indians will be called just that when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays for Monday's American League Championship Series Game 3.

Indigenous rights activist Douglas Cardinal sought an immediate injunction to have the term "Indians" banned from use on the grounds it is racist, but the Ontario Superior Court denied the request.

"I am deeply disappointed in the court’s ruling," Cardinal said in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports, "however, today was a victory in that we have elevated awareness of this serious issue at a national — and even international — level.

"We had hoped the court would recognize the immediate harm that the Cleveland baseball team’s racist name and logo would cause, especially since the team has already demonstrated its ability to wear a jersey without an offensive name and mascot. That this kind of discrimination is not a violation of human rights underscores the challenge Indigenous Persons of North America continue to face."

Cardinal, 82, is a Black Foot elder who has spoken out on behalf of First Nations peoples on various issues over the decades, including land rights.

"I hope that, one day, the Cleveland team’s ownership will realize that its racist name and logo has got to go — entirely," Cardinal said.

"Until then, we will continue to argue our case before the appropriate legal authorities, and call upon everyone who supports our cause for equality to stand with us and express their support for the Indigenous Persons of North America. #NotYourMascot"

The Indians lead the ALCS 2-0.

PHOTOS | ALCS Indians vs. Blue Jays