Native American Group Launches Petition For Washington Football Team To Restore The 'Redskin' Name - It's 'The Right Decision'

Following the decision by the Washington football team to change their name from ‘Redskins’ to ‘Commanders,’ a group of Native Americans is pushing for the sports organization to change their name back to what it once was and “put an end to cancel culture.”

The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) has been encouraging fans of the football team, as well as those upset with the change, to sign a petition that has managed to reach over 90,000 signatures as of Sunday. 

“We, are passionate supporters of the Washington Redskins and its rich history. We write to you today as a collective voice, urging you to reconsider the recent name change from the Redskins to the Commanders,” the petition reads. “We believe that restoring the original name, the Redskins, is the right decision for the team, its loyal fanbase, and the legacy it represents.”

The document noted that the name “carries deep cultural, historical, and emotional significance” that honors “the bravery, resilience, and warrior spirit associated with Native American culture.” It claimed that the term was “never intended as derogatory or offensive” but instead was meant to be “a symbol of respect and admiration.” 

“We acknowledge the concerns surrounding cultural sensitivity and the need to foster inclusivity. However, we firmly believe that there are alternative ways to honor and respect Native American heritage without erasing it,” it continues. “By reclaiming the Redskins name, we have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, educational initiatives, and collaborations with Native American communities. Together, we can promote cultural appreciation, address misconceptions, and work towards a more inclusive society.”

The petition adds that ‘Commanders’ doesn’t “capture the essence, tradition, and historical weight” that the ‘Redskin' name had, diluting the team identity. 

“We acknowledge the concerns surrounding cultural sensitivity and the need to foster inclusivity. However, we firmly believe that there are alternative ways to honor and respect Native American heritage without erasing it. By reclaiming the Redskins name, we have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, educational initiatives, and collaborations with Native American communities. Together, we can promote cultural appreciation, address misconceptions, and work towards a more inclusive society,” it finishes.

The Washington football team changing its name was a huge deal at the time with many noting how in an attempt to fight against exclusion and racism, they did just that. Just like Aunt Jemima and Land O’Lakes, removing an ethnic figure from their branding will not fix anything but further exclude groups.