Washington Commanders 'fitting name for oppressors' Native American group claims in new federal lawsuit

Native American Guardians Association's Billy Dieckman argues ‘Redskins’ is not offensive amid a push to bring back the team name.

A Native American group filed a lawsuit against the Washington Commanders in federal court this morning that upends a long-standing cancel-culture narrative about racism in sports.

The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) accuses the the NFL franchise and new owner Josh Harris of defamation, civil conspiracy and civil right violations for their role in suppressing Native American history, in a complaint filed in the United States District Court of North Dakota. 

NAGA led a viral petition this summer demanding that the organization reclaim its traditional Redskins identity. It generated 150,000 signatures. 

NATIVE AMERICAN GROUP THAT WANTED ‘REDSKINS’ REMOVAL IS FUNDED BY SOROS FOUNDATION, OTHER LEFTIST ORGS

"Commanders is a fitting name for oppressors," the suit stated. 

The group seeks $1.6 million in damages and "a seat at the table to share Native American history," plaintiff attorney Chad LaVeglia told Fox News Digital. 

Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris looks on prior to a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Aug. 11, 2023 in Cleveland. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

"We believe the complaint is without merit, and we will address the matter in court," said a Commanders spokesperson.

The complaint also names the powerful National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) for its role in erasing from public discussion the image and history of real Native Americans. The suit claims that the NCAI contributes to a legacy of cultural oppression suffered by indigenous peoples. 

"This lawsuit is a f--- you to the NCAI and