The Washington Commanders’ team president, Jason Wright, has unequivocally dismissed any possibility of reverting to the old team moniker, “Redskins.” Despite recent petitions and calls for a name change, the team remains committed to its new identity.
The Name Change and NAGA’s Petition
In 2020, after using the “Redskins” label for 90 years, the Washington football team decided to change its name. This decision was prompted by growing concerns about the term’s derogatory nature towards Native Americans. The team’s new name, the Washington Commanders, was chosen to reflect a fresh start and a more inclusive approach.
Recently, the nonprofit Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) started a petition urging the team to bring back the old name. The petition, which has garnered nearly 130,000 signatures in just over two months, highlights the organization’s desire to reclaim the “Redskins” moniker. NAGA argues that this change is necessary to recognize the original inhabitants of America and to promote awareness of Native American history.
NAGA’s Letter and Response
In addition to the petition, NAGA sent a letter to the Washington Commanders, addressing what they perceive as a “cancel culture” against the Native American population and the erasure of their role in American history. The letter emphasized the team’s history, dating back to its 1933 season when they were known as the Boston Redskins. NAGA’s goal is to encourage the team to revitalize its relationship with the American Indian community by reinstating the old name and using it as a platform to educate people about Native American tribes and their contributions to the nation’s founding.
The Washington Commanders’ team president, Jason Wright, responded firmly to these requests. In a local radio interview, he stated, “It is not being considered. Period.” This unequivocal response indicates the team’s commitment to moving forward with the new name and distancing themselves from the controversy surrounding the previous one.
NAGA’s Defense
NAGA has faced criticism and accusations of being a fake group. However, the organization’s co-founder and president, Eunice Davidson, vehemently denies these claims. Davidson asserts that these accusations are part of an effort to silence Native American voices and erase their history. She views the push to change the team’s name as discrimination against Native culture and a disregard for their heritage.
