Featured Image Credit: Jason Miller / Contributor/Jonathan Daniel / Stringer
Topics: US News, Sport, NFL, Football, Washington
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: US News, Sport, NFL, Football, Washington
A Native American group is calling for the Washington Commanders to readopt its original Redskins name.
The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) started the petition a few months back (21 June) and have since been met with an 'overwhelming' response in their battle against the NFL.
The Change.org petition is titled: "Change The Washington Commanders back to The Washington Redskins," and has already surpassed the 100,000 signatures mark with the next milestone for the group being 150,000 signatures.
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It reads: "The name 'Commanders' fails to capture the essence, tradition, and historical weight associated with the Redskins.
"It lacks the uniqueness, emotional connection, and pride that our team's original name embodies."
The petition, started by Daniel Fazzolare, goes on to state that the name change 'dilutes' the team's 'identity' as well as 'weakens the connection with its devoted fanbase'.
"By restoring the Redskins name," it continues. "We reinstate a symbol of unity, strength, and shared identity that has inspired generations of fans."
The petition concludes: "We believe that the name Redskins can be a catalyst for positive change, fostering understanding and appreciation for Native American heritage through community outreach, education, and collaboration.
"In light of the aforementioned reasons, we kindly request that you reconsider the name change and reinstate the name Redskins."
By doing so, the petition explains: "You will honor the history, tradition, and emotional connection that millions of fans have forged with the team.
"We stand united in our belief that this change will strengthen the team's identity, engage the fanbase, and promote a spirit of unity and understanding."
The Washington Commanders name first debuted back in 2022 after the American football team's former owner, Daniel Snyder, said the name had 'increasingly become a distraction from our primary focus of football'.
Snyder also said the change was 'in the spirit of inclusivity'.
However, NAGA adviser and Kiowa Tribe member Billy Dieckman has since come forward to debunk such a 'myth'.
Speaking to Fox & Friends First on Tuesday (15 August), Dieckman explained: "The deep, rich history behind the name, the myth that it means bloody scalps or something derogatory is what we're trying to dispel.
"It's a status symbol for elite warriors."
The NAGA adviser continued: "Our fight is to reinstate this because it was taken away without consulting us, without any of our approval."
"The imagery that you see is that of Chief Two Guns White Calf," he noted. "That's a real person. There's a lot of times they say you need to get rid of your mascot. We don't have a mascot. That's a real person that was gifted to the Redskins in the NFL by the Blackfoot tribe as a forever gift.
"That's one of the greatest warriors of all time."
Dieckman commented on the 'overwhelming' support the petition has received, adding: "Ninety percent of natives are in approval and see it as a proud symbol. The ones who know who Chief Two Guns White Calf is, it's even higher in those areas."
He concluded: "Our voice has not been heard, and that's what NAGA is designed for: To fight that and to correct some of what's been eradicated."
UNILAD has reached out to the Washington Commanders for comment.