A Native American group, the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA), is seeking the return of the “Redskins” name for the Washington Commanders football team.

The group believes the name holds deep historical significance and is not derogatory. They are close to reaching 100,000 signatures on their petition to “ReclaimTheName.”

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The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA), a group advocating for the reinstatement of the “Redskins” name for the Washington Commanders football team, has reported substantial support for their campaign.

The group’s petition, aimed at ending what they term “cancel culture” and reviving the name, has garnered nearly 100,000 signatures as the upcoming NFL season approaches.

Billy Dieckman, an adviser to NAGA and a member of the Kiowa Tribe, spoke about the group’s objectives in a recent interview with “Fox & Friends First.”

He explained that their aim is to debunk the notion that the name “Redskins” carries derogatory or offensive connotations. Dieckman asserted that the name is rooted in a deep, historical context and is a symbol of honor, specifically for elite warriors.

He shared, “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.”

NAGA recently addressed the leadership of the Commanders with a formal letter, requesting the team to rekindle its connection with the American Indian community and revert to the name “the Redskins.”

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The name had been changed by former team owner Daniel Snyder in 2020, during a period of heightened racial tensions in the United States. Snyder had cited the distraction caused by the name and the desire for inclusivity as reasons for the change.

Dieckman emphasized that NAGA’s campaign is grounded in the belief that the name was eliminated without consulting the community it represents. He emphasized, “Our fight is to reinstate this because it was taken away without consulting us, without any of our approval.”

Dieckman further addressed the imagery associated with the “Redskins” name, pointing to Chief Two Guns White Calf as a real historical figure whose legacy is intertwined with the name.

He clarified, “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 highlighted the “overwhelming” backing that the petition has received and cited polling that indicates significant support for the symbolism among the Native American community.

He stated, “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.”

The Commanders football team adopted their current name in 2022. Fox News Digital reached out to the team for comment, but no immediate response was received.

Dieckman concluded by asserting NAGA’s mission to rectify the lack of representation and voice that their community has experienced. He stated, “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.

Imagine the time and energy saved if the woke of America would be factual about history and leave what is not a real problem alone.

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