"Ralph Engelstad Arena's decision to reach out to the Sioux people is the right impulse, but the execution is completely wrong.
The arena ran into trouble last week when its envoy persuaded a veterans group at Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to support the Fighting Sioux nickname. In return, the arena would put up a memorial honoring Sioux veterans.
OK, said the veterans group.
Not so fast, said other tribal members. The veterans group rescinded its support.
This development emphasizes what has been clear for some time. Only the elected representatives of Indian people can speak for the entire tribe. This means that any negotiation must be with the Tribal Council.
Most tribal councils have opposed the use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo, including Standing Rock. REA's overture to the veterans group was an attempt at an end run around the council. Such maneuvers are doomed.
Not only did REA attempt to negotiate with the wrong party, the arena itself is the wrong party to negotiate.
Indian tribal councils are sovereign governments, and they should be approached by decision-makers. Anything less is insulting."
Get the Story:OUR OPINION: No more end runs on UND nickname (The Grand Forks Herald 9/1)
pwpwd Relevant Links:
University of North Dakota - http://www.und.edu
The Ralph - http://www.theralph.com
Fighting Sioux - http://www.fightingsioux.com Related Stories:
Column: Time for UND to let 'Fighting Sioux' go (8/27)
Sparring continues in 'Fighting Sioux' lawsuit (8/23)
UND spends more than $500K in 'Fighting Sioux' case (07/10)
Spirit Lake woman named to UND search committee (7/5)
North Dakota governor wants Indian for UND search (6/29)
UND search committee could include tribal member (6/28)
Editorial: Indian voice needed on UND committee (6/25)
Tribes left out of UND president search committee (6/15)
UND spent $430K to defend 'Fighting Sioux' nick (6/5)
Author rejects honorary degree from 'Fighting Sioux' (04/20)
UND to move forward with 'Fighting Sioux' lawsuit (06/20)
Opinion: 'Sioux' lawsuit could hurt North Dakota (6/19)
UND to file lawsuit over 'Fighting Sioux' name (6/16)
Opinion: 'Fighting Sioux' logo hurts students (6/16)
UTTC president urges against 'Fighting Sioux' lawsuit (6/15)
UND president wants lawsuit over 'Fighting Sioux' (6/9)
Tribal member named to North Dakota higher ed board (5/26)
Opinion: UND's divide and conquer on 'Sioux' (05/19)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe won't back 'Sioux' name (5/5)
Editorial: Seek tribal approval for 'Fighting Sioux' (5/3)
'Sioux' and 'Chief' denied again by NCAA (5/1)
Letters: Controversy over 'Fighting Sioux' name (5/1)
Standing Rock chairman disputes UND on 'Sioux' (4/28)
Opinion: Native students at UND subject to racism (04/12)
UND to file lawsuit over 'Fighting Sioux' name (6/16)
Opinion: 'Fighting Sioux' logo hurts students (6/16)
UTTC president urges against 'Fighting Sioux' lawsuit (6/15)
UND president wants lawsuit over 'Fighting Sioux' (6/9)
Tribal member named to North Dakota higher ed board (5/26)
Opinion: UND's divide and conquer on 'Sioux' (05/19)
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe won't back 'Sioux' name (5/5)
Editorial: Seek tribal approval for 'Fighting Sioux' (5/3)
'Sioux' and 'Chief' denied again by NCAA (5/1)
Letters: Controversy over 'Fighting Sioux' name (5/1)
Standing Rock chairman disputes UND on 'Sioux' (4/28)
Opinion: Native students at UND subject to racism (04/12)
