In a strong pushback against criticism, the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA), a group at the center of a popular petition to change the name of NFL’s Washington “Commanders” back to the “Redskins”, asserted its legitimacy after a Washington Commanders’ representative branded them “a fake group.”
Eunice Davidson, the president of NAGA, refuted this claim, stating, “We’re not a fake group. We’re tribal-enrolled members from tribes across the United States.” Davidson, who proudly identifies as “full-blooded Dakota Sioux,” spoke candidly to Fox News Digital.
This summer, NAGA’s appeal to restore the Redskins name to the NFL caught significant attention, collecting over 128,000 signatures by August 28th. Andre Billeaudeaux, historian and NAGA co-founder, confidently noted, “We’re in it to win it.”
The controversy was further ignited by a text exchange between Matthew Laux, a premium-seat sales manager for the Commanders, and former luxury-suite season ticket holder, Christina King. After King expressed her desire to see the name reinstated, Laux controversially labeled NAGA as “a fake group.”
Despite this, a Commanders spokesperson clarified to Fox News Digital that Laux’s views do not represent the official stance of the organization.
The team’s official statement read, “For nearly 90 years, this franchise had a different name, and many have fond memories of cheering for that team and watching it win three Super Bowls. This does not signify any shift in our approach nor does it change the valid reasons for dropping the name.”
King, however, remains firm in her belief, declaring she would only return as a suite owner if the team reverts to its historic “Redskins” name. “The team never should have never been pressured into changing the name,” she added.
Davidson’s perspective is that the move to erase the Redskins name, as well as other Native American symbols from sports at various levels, stems from misguided initiatives led by woke academics. She said these efforts aim to “wipe out Native history,” calling it a discriminatory act targeting a specific culture.
Billeaudeaux echoed Davidson’s sentiments, attributing the removal of Native American history from the nation’s sports and popular culture to “toxic ignorance.”
The origin of the Redskins name traces back to the 17th-century Lenni Lenape chief Tamanend, revered as the “Patron Saint of America.” This rich history, rooted in the early days of America’s fight for independence, denotes the significance of the name to many of its supporters.
Andre Billeaudeaux, who has delved deep into the origins and significance of the name in his book “How the Redskins Got Their Name,” emphasizes that the term “Redskins” is about honoring Native American traditions and not about racial undertones.
The name’s popularity and significance to many, both within the Native American community and among longtime NFL fans, have posed challenges for the Commanders’ new ownership.
A 2016 Washington Post poll highlighted that 90% of Native Americans across the country endorsed the Redskins name, even amidst growing opposition.
Evidencing this, the Red Mesa High School Redskins in Arizona, located on a Navajo reservation, recently showcased a new football field, featuring an iconic Native warrior image.
Former suite owner King succinctly summarized her stance, saying, “We’re Redskins fans, not Commanders fans.” She believes that relinquishing these names and symbols is tantamount to erasing Native American history.
Highlighting the broader cultural significance, Billeaudeaux commented, “The name Redskins is a national treasure,” adding that it is deeply intertwined with the nation’s heritage and thus warrants respect and protection.
It is time for an end to cancel culture and the rewriting of history. If we stop honoring the truth of our nation’s history we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of old and dishonor those who lived through it.
TRENDING: Former Teacher Arrested for Threatening Violence Against Donald Trump And His Son Barron
