Native American Group Demanding ‘Redskins’ Name Back Also Wants ‘Indians’ Reinstated

A Native American group that has gathered almost 100,000 signatures demanding the Washington Commanders revert back to their previous name, the Redskins, is now taking aim at the Cleveland Guardians.

The Native American Guardian’s Association (NAGA) claimed in their Redskins petition that the name “was never intended as a derogatory or offensive term but as a symbol of respect and admiration” and that “changing the name abruptly disregards the positive legacy that the Redskins name has built over the years and disorients the passionate fans who have invested their emotions, time, and unwavering support in the team.”

Now, ironically, the Native American Guardian’s Association wants Cleveland to dump their new Guardians name.

“With the incredible success of the recent petition campaign to #ReclaimTheRedskins, the Native American Guardians Association has heard from many of you,” NAGA board member Eunice Davidson wrote in a new petition started on Monday. “You don’t want to see us slow down, in fact you want us to do even more!

“So today we are proud to be officially launching the petition to reclaim the Cleveland Indians!”

“The name ‘Cleveland Indians’ holds a complex legacy, one that embodies our resilience, strength, and enduring presence,” the petition continues. “It serves as a reminder of our shared history and the struggles we have overcome. By reinstating this name, we acknowledge the role our culture has played in shaping this nation.

“We recognize the importance of sensitivity in addressing cultural concerns, and we believe that honoring the name “Cleveland Indians” can be a symbol of unity and respect. Let us work together to celebrate the heritage of Native Americans while fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding.”

The Cleveland Major League Baseball team was known as the Indians for over 100 years, from 1915 to 2021.

So far, as of this writing, the petition has received 739 signatures out of its goal of 1,000.

Personally, I think they should have changed the team name back to the Cleveland Spiders, but no one listened to me.