A Native American group called the Native American Guardian's Association (NAGA) is demanding that the Washington Commanders change their name back to the Redskins. NAGA has organized a petition that has gained over 90,000 signatures, with the goal of “reclaiming” the name and putting an end to cancel culture. The group argues that the name Redskins is a proud symbol that represents the deep, rich history of elite warriors.

Last week, NAGA sent a letter to the Commanders' leadership, including new team owner Josh Harris, team president Jason Wright, and head coach Ron Rivera, formally requesting the team to change their name back to the Redskins and revitalize their relationship with the American Indian community. The letter argues that eradicating the name Redskins is an attempt to erase history and target the Native American community, while ignoring other Constitutional rights, such as players who protest during the National Anthem.

Former team owner Daniel Snyder changed the team's name from the Redskins to the Washington Football Team in 2020, amidst racial unrest in the US. Snyder stated that the name had become a distraction from the team's primary focus on football and made the change in the spirit of inclusivity. The team later changed its name to the Commanders in 2022.

The Commanders have not yet responded to the petition or the letter from NAGA. However, the new team owner, Josh Harris, has stated that the name change is not an immediate priority and that a team must wait five years before it can be rebranded, unless a new owner takes over. Harris recently took control of the team last month.

NAGA believes that the name Redskins is an important part of American history and represents the contributions of Native Americans to the founding of America. They argue that the name should be reinstated to honor that history and to protect the civil liberties of every American. The group claims that 90% of Native Americans approve of the name Redskins and see it as a proud symbol.

The controversy surrounding the team's name is part of a larger debate about cultural appropriation and the use of Native American imagery and mascots in sports. NAGA is fighting to correct what they see as the erasure of Native American heritage and to ensure that their voice is heard in these discussions.