Education
Spirit Lake Nation's stance an issue in 'Sioux' fight


The NCAA is trying to figure out where the Spirit Lake Nation stands on the University of North Dakota's "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo but the treasurer said it should be clear that the tribe doesn't support it.

The NCAA says it is getting mixed signals from the tribe. In December 2000, the council passed a resolution saying it doesn't oppose the name "as long as something positive comes from this controversy." The tribe attached conditions to the continued use of "Sioux."

However, tribal members recently passed a resolution to outright oppose the name. Two tribal representatives on the United Tribes of North Dakota board of directors voted to oppose the name as well.

UND President Charles Kupchella was set to discuss the issue with the council yesterday but the meeting was abruptly canceled. Treasurer Brian Pearson told KVLY-TV that the tribe is getting tired of the debate.

Get the Story:
UND NICKNAME: NCAA wants a clear stance (The Grand Forks Herald 9/28)
N. Dakota at center of 'hostile' debate (USA Todya 9/28)
Spirit Lake official: Tribe is getting tired of nickname issue (The Grand Forks Herald 9/27)

NCAA Policy:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005)

Relevant Links:
University of North Dakota - http://www.und.edu
Fighting Sioux - http://www.fightingsioux.com
NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee - http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/
membership/governance/assoc-wide/moic/index.html

National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media - http://www.aimovement.org/ncrsm

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