Native American group demands Commanders reinstate ‘Redskins’ name
The name of the football team playing in Washington D.C. is once again under question.
A group called the Native American Guardian’s Association (NAGA) is demanding the Washington Commanders change their name back to the Redskins, organizing support for the name reversal with a petition that has gained more than 90,000 signatures.
“We invite all Americans to stand up for the dignity of EVERY AMERICAN under assault in today’s increasingly nonsensical culture wars,” the petition says.
“This ‘LINE IN THE SAND’ moment reinforces undeniable history of the NATIVE AMERICAN assisting the FOUNDING OF AMERICA, with NATIVE AMERICAN principles used by the FOUNDING FATHERS in the US Constitution – and, EVERY AMERICAN’s right to the 1st and 14th Amendment and not to be targets of cancel culture or ESG.
“This is not a simple left or right issue for Americans; it reaches across the political spectrum dating back to our Founding Fathers.”
The letter was addressed to the Commanders’ leadership group, including new owners Josh Harris and Magic Johnson as well as head coach Ron Rivera.
“As the NFL franchise representing the nation’s capital, you have a distinct opportunity to recognize the history and value of the American Indian,” the letter continues.
NAGA, which is led by a board of Native Americans, is a “non-profit organization advocating for increased education about Native Americans, especially in public educational institutions, and greater recognition of Native American Heritage through the high profile venues of sports and other public platforms,” according to its website.
Disgraced former team owner Dan Snyder changed the organization’s name in 2020 after years of pressure, beginning the 2020 and 2021 seasons with the name “Washington Football Team” before opting for the Commanders moniker prior to the 2022 season.
According to ESPN, the team could be looking to change its name again following its sale to the ownership group led by Harris, largely in an effort to distance themselves from Synder’s disastrous tenure.
