Native American Group Pushes for Return of 'Redskins' NFL Team Name

The Native American Guardians Association argues that the 'Redskins' name is not offensive and should be brought back, sparking a renewed debate surrounding team names and cultural sensitivity.

The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) is advocating for the return of the 'Redskins' name for the Washington Commanders NFL team. Billy Dieckman, president of NAGA, argues that the name is not offensive and that it represents a source of pride for Native Americans.

"We're not saying the name is not offensive to some people, but it's not offensive to all Native Americans," Dieckman said. "We're trying to take back the narrative and say, 'Hey, this is not a racist name.'"

Native American Group Pushes for Return of 'Redskins' NFL Team Name

The 'Redskins' name has been a controversial topic for decades, with many Native American groups condemning it as a racial slur. However, NAGA claims that the name is a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the contributions made by Native Americans to American history.

"The 'Redskins' name is a symbol of our strength, our courage, and our determination," Dieckman said. "We're not going to let anyone take that away from us."

Native American Group Pushes for Return of 'Redskins' NFL Team Name

The NAGA's push for the return of the 'Redskins' name has garnered mixed reactions. Some Native American organizations, such as the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), have voiced their opposition to the name, calling it a "harmful stereotype."

However, there is also support for the name among some Native Americans. A recent poll conducted by the University of Maryland found that 53% of Native Americans believe that the 'Redskins' name is not offensive.

Native American Group Pushes for Return of 'Redskins' NFL Team Name

The debate over the 'Redskins' name has reignited the conversation surrounding cultural sensitivity and the use of names and symbols that may be perceived as offensive to certain groups. Some argue that the name is a relic of a bygone era and should be retired, while others contend that it is a harmless term that should not be censored.

The Washington Commanders, who adopted their current name in 2022, have not expressed any interest in changing it back to the 'Redskins.' Owner Josh Harris has stated that the name is not going to be used again.

"For obvious reasons, the old name can't come back," Harris said. "But, right now, we're focused on things to unify the team around our football team and unify the city around our football team."

The NAGA's push for the return of the 'Redskins' name is unlikely to succeed in the short term. However, it has brought the issue of cultural sensitivity back into the spotlight and has sparked a renewed debate about the use of names and symbols that may be considered offensive.