This is the article that appeared in the November 2024 edition of Catalyst, our monthly journal. The date that prints out reflects
the day that it was uploaded to our website. For a more accurate date of when the article was first published, check out the news release, here.
Who really speaks for American Indians?
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) claims to be “the unified voice of tribal nations.” This is demonstrably false.
NCAI led the fight against the Washington Redskins football team, claiming the term “Redskins” was a pejorative. They succeeded in getting the team to change its name to the Washington Commanders. But do they represent the voice of American Indians?
There is one American Indian group that thinks not. Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) says that 90 percent of Native Americans disagree with the notion that “Redskins” is racist. In fact, it claims that “Redskins” is an honorific name.
“The name ‘Redskins’ carries deep cultural, historical, and emotional significance, honoring the bravery, resilience, and warrior spirit associated with Native American culture.” It adds that the Washington Redskins were “the only team in the National Football League to honor an actual Native American.”
The polls back up NAGA.
In 2002, a study by Sports Illustrated found that “three out of four Native Americans” believe that “even a nickname such as Redskins, which many whites consider racist, isn’t objectionable.”
In 2004, a University of Pennsylvania survey showed that 90 percent of American Indians did not find “Redskins” objectionable.
Similarly, in 2016, a Washington Post survey found that 90 percent of American Indians are fine with the name Washington Redskins.
So why does the NCAI continue to lie about what American Indians want? Because they are funded by George Soros, that’s why.
