Judge won't halt Spirit Lake vote on 'Fighting Sioux'
Members of the Spirit Lake Dakotah Nation will be able to vote on the "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo of the University of North Dakota.

Opponents claimed some of the signatures on a petition that was used to put the issue on Tuesday's ballot were invalid. But a judge rejected the argument.

Supporters hope a favorable vote will allow UND to keep the "Sioux" name. The school has agreed to stop using Indian imagery unless the Spirit Lake Dakotah Nation and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe back it.

Some opponents at Spirit Lake have circulated a flier that claims Ralph Engelstad, a major alumni backer, referred to Indians with a derogatory term. Engelstad paid for the UND arena that contains thousands of "Fighting Sioux" logos and a statue of an Indian on a horse.

Get the Story:
Nickname referendum still on (The Grand Forks Herald 4/18)
Nickname struggle intensifies (The Grand Forks Herald 4/19)
Pride and prejudice drive tribal nickname debate (The Grand Forks Herald 4/19)
Standing Rock nickname campaign enters new phase (The Grand Forks Herald 4/20)
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An Opinion:
Jody Hodgson: Engelstad revered Sioux heritage (The Grand Forks Herald 4/20)

Related Stories:
'Fighting Sioux' opponents challenge Spirit Lake vote (4/17)
Eunice Davidson: Why I'm fighting for 'Fighting Sioux' (4/16)
Opinion: 'Fighting Sioux' name a tribal political issue (4/13)
Standing Rock vote sought on 'Fighting Sioux' (4/10)
Spirit Lake Nation set for vote on 'Fighting Sioux' (3/26)
Tom Iron: Higher priorities than 'Fighting Sioux' name (3/16)
Spirit Lake group wants vote on 'Fighting Sioux' name (3/13)
Letter: 'Fighting Sioux' nickname must go (3/9)
'Fighting Sioux' committee faces more criticism (3/4)
Letter: No win-win in keeping 'Fighting Sioux' name (3/2)
'Fighting Sioux' committee holds first meeting (2/27)
Letter: 'Fighting Sioux' vote threatens sovereignty (2/20)
Spirit Lake Nation weighs 'Fighting Sioux' vote (2/19)
Letter: Let tribes vote on 'Fighting Sioux' name (2/12)
Spirit Lake vote sought on 'Fighting Sioux' nick (2/11)
Louis Gray: No thanks for 'Sioux' awareness (2/6)
Opinions: Even more debate on 'Fighting Sioux' nick (2/2)
Opinions: Still more debate on 'Fighting Sioux' nick (1/26)
Yellow Bird: Another 'Fighting Sioux' committee (1/19)
North Dakota Gov: Resolving 'Fighting Sioux' issue (1/19)