The Native American Group that wants to bring back the Redskins name is not happy with a Washington Commanders rep’s response to their efforts.
Last month, The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) circulated an online petition titled “Change The Washington Commanders Back To The Washington Redskins” that went instantly viral and gathered over 128,000 signatures.
Via Change.org
“The name “Redskins” carries deep cultural, historical, and emotional significance, honoring the bravery, resilience, and warrior spirit associated with Native American culture. It was never intended as a derogatory or offensive term but as a symbol of respect and admiration. 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.”
A Commanders tickets rep reportedly told a luxury suite ticket holder in a text that NAGA was a “fake group.”
Via Fox News
“You understand the people that started this petition is a fake group, right?” Matthew Laux, a premium-seat sales manager for the Commanders and FedEx Field, wrote on August 18 in a text to a former luxury-suite season ticket holder.
NAGA President Eunice Davidson spoke with Fox News Digital and blasted the Commanders rep for calling them “fake.”
“We’re not a fake group. We’re tribal-enrolled members from tribes across the United States,” Eunice Davidson, co-founder and president of the nonprofit Native American Guardians Association (NAGA), headquartered in North Dakota, told Fox News Digital during an interview.
“People want to call us fake and they’ve done that before,” Davidson said. “They never tell our story and that’s their goal. To wipe out Native history. It’s discrimination when you go after one culture like this.”
The Commanders told Fox News Digital that the ticket rep doesn’t speak for the organization and issued a statement about not changing their name.
“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.”
h/t Total Pro Sports