Spirit Lake group appears to concede loss on 'Fighting Sioux'

Thursday, May 30, 2013  

Members of the Spirit Lake Nation who supported the "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo at the University of North Dakota appear to have conceded defeat after a ruling from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Spirit Lake Nation Committee of Understanding and Respect lacks standing to challenge a settlement that led UND to retire the nickname and logo, the court ruled. The group's primary mission now appears to be over.

“We gave it our best fight, to keep that honorable symbol and name there at UND,” Frank Black Cloud, a spokesperson for the committee, told The Bemidji Pioneer.

Members of the tribe held a ceremony in 1969 to support the use of the name. The 8th Circuit said the event didn't give rise to any legally protected rights.

Get the Story:
Appeals court turns aside Spirit Lake committee’s effort to save UND's Fighting Sioux nickname (The Bemidji Pioneer 5/30)
Is the Fighting Sioux nickname battle over? (Minnesota Public Radio 5/29)

8th Circuit Decision:
Spirit Lake Nation v. NCAA (May 29, 2013)

Spirit Lake Nation loses decision in 'Fighting Sioux' lawsuit (5/29)