"It looks as though the controversy about UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname and logo cannot end well.
That is, any solution will leave somebody with a grievance to nurse.
Nickname supporters appear to be attempting a Hail Mary pass by seeking a referendum on the Standing Rock reservation. That idea was rejected last week — but not decisively. The Tribal Council defeated a referendum by one vote. Two members were missing, and one abstained.
There’ll be another attempt.
This tactic repeats one used at Spirit Lake, where nickname supporters won an overwhelming victory. More than two-thirds of voters approved the name.
At Standing Rock, nickname supporters are trying a petition drive to force the issue to a vote, but it’s not clear that tactic will succeed. They need signatures of 20 percent of the electorate in order to change the constitution to allow a referendum.
That’s likely to be a drawn-out process."
Get the Story:OUR OPINION: No happy ending for dispute over Sioux name (The Grand Forks Herald 8/16)
pwpwd Related Stories:
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Petition seeks another vote on 'Fighting Sioux' (07/17)
Letter: Keep fighting to keep 'Fighting Sioux' nick (7/16)
Opinion: Let Standing Rock vote on 'Sioux' nick (7/13)
Letter: Standing Rock Sioux vote on UND nickname (6/15)
Tribal 'Fighting Sioux' supporters seek action (06/05)
Letter: Tribal leaders ignore 'Fighting Sioux' views (5/26)
Editorial: Retiring 'Fighting Sioux' the right move (5/18)
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UND faces new deadline on 'Fighting Sioux' name (5/15)
Board meeting to discuss fate of 'Fighting Sioux' (5/14)
Column: Don't drop 'Sioux' before tribe votes (5/13)
Cartoon: Democracy and vote on 'Fighting Sioux' (5/11)
Erich Longie: 'Sioux' opponents won't give up fight (5/4)
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Opinion: 'Fighting Sioux' reflects warrior spirit (4/27)
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