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Indian groups worry about lack of voice

 
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Jun 14, 2007 - 05:58:47 CDT
By JONATHAN RIVOLI/Bismarck Tribune
As the University of North Dakota begins its selection of a new president, some American Indian groups are concerned that their voices won't be heard in the process.

David Gipp, president of United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, recently sent a letter to the State Board of Higher Education, requesting that an Indian member be appointed to the search committee. Current UND President Charles Kupchella plans to retire in January.

The 16-member committee, selected in late May, is responsible for screening applications from those seeking the job as UND's next president. It is made up of faculty members, students, alumni, state officials and members of the Grand Forks community.

But because it lacks an American Indian voice, Gipp said he's concerned that American Indian concerns will not receive enough consideration in the presidential-selection process.

"If this new president at UND is going to be able to serve one and all, we need to have a president who is knowledgeable or can become knowledgeable about American Indians and the role they play in this state," Gipp said.

UND currently has 420 American Indian students out of a total enrollment of about 13,000. American Indians are North Dakota's largest minority group, making up 4.9 percent of the state's population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

John Q. Paulsen, president of the State Board of Higher Education, said the current selection committee can adequately consider American Indian issues even though it lacks an American Indian member. He said the board has already completed the process of winnowing down hundreds of suggested names - including those from various minority groups - into a viable selection committee.

"We weren't concerned as much about ethnic background as we were about people's ability to make good decisions in selecting a new president," Paulsen said. "And we feel we've selected a committee that can achieve that goal."

The selection of a new president got under way this spring after Kupchella announced his intention to retire after eight years at the university's helm. Paulsen said the board would like to see the selection process completed by the beginning of 2008.

American Indian concerns are especially important in this process because of UND's position as a leader of higher education for this group, said Leigh Jeanette, director of American Indian Student Services at the university.

Jeanette said the university receives about $13 million in state and federal grants to run dozens of programs that benefit American Indians.

Most of those programs aid American Indian students in pursuing a career path in fields such as medicine, psychology and education. They attract American Indian students from places as far away as Alaska and Arizona.

Given this presence, Jeanette believes it would have been appropriate to have an American Indian on the selection committee.

"It's just that there's such a large presence of American Indians on campus, it seems there should be a representative of that group on the committee," he said.

Paulsen invited members of the American Indian community to participate in the process by sending their questions and concerns to the committee members, who could then address those concerns with the applicants.
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Indian groups worry about lack of voice
Comments

interesting wrote on Jun 27, 2007 4:03 PM:

" Well put ....I couldn't have said it better myself. "

ND Native/World Traveler wrote on Jun 27, 2007 2:54 PM:

" To Whom It May Concern: That would be all of the idiots that have been pushing for the race card. or the others that feel underrepresentation of a minority...blah...blah...blah. I have three words....GET OVER IT. There has been a board established of "community" (that being North Dakota people) representatives who will make a RECOMMENDATION to hire the next president of UND. Fact of the matter is....the candidates for that position are all intelligent, educated individuals who can think for themselves and can form their own opinions of what needs to be done on the campus, in order for it to prosper. Whoever is appointed to this position already has his hands full with running a premier educational institution that is recognized throughout the entire nation. Does this board need to have representation by placing a Native American on the board......probably not. Does this board have the power to change the mascot.....no. Does this board need to solve the racist climate in ND....no. It all comes down to this....find the president of UND. Be fair, just, and dignified in the way that it is done....and do it in the least political way possible. Politics will always be around afterwards. "

Just checking wrote on Jun 26, 2007 4:49 PM:

" I'm still wondering if anyone has checked or done some research to see if there has been an American Indian that has served on the selection committee before. "

again & again wrote on Jun 26, 2007 3:03 PM:

" after reviewing all the comments, all I can say is the overall response has been "hostile and abusive." read the Trib's editorial 6/25/07. You all take care, because some have seen it, some might see it, some will never see it. Someday like the n word, like slavery, like the holocaust, the Native American "People" will not be used as mascots!!!!! "

Get it right wrote on Jun 26, 2007 1:23 PM:

" The voice should be for all students for a GREAT education. "

GL wrote on Jun 26, 2007 8:43 AM:

" 400 out of 13000.. you need a voice?? how about all of the black students and the Jewish students. do they get a "special voice"? how many Germans go to UND.. Or Irish?? do they get a special voice??? "

so sad wrote on Jun 24, 2007 2:59 PM:

" all of this is sad, which brought to my attention is SUNDAY, newspaper the cartoon section, CRANKSHAFT, .. in which these men are sitting around a Pancake House saying as quote " what the indians need is closer,." hense followed by an "AMEN to that" i took this personal and found it offending.. so issues like this we should be discussing , not a name that has already been used for years. Even tho, no offense, it does bother me about racial issues. i think these issues such as a Cartoonist, Batiuk and Ayers little comment made in this mornings paper. "

To NOT NECESSARY wrote on Jun 23, 2007 10:45 PM:

" Get yourself a freakin life!!! your a waste of ND time. If thids offends you please let me know so I can Help. "

Seriously! wrote on Jun 23, 2007 10:42 PM:

" As a minority. seriuosly racisium has got to end. Look at all of some of the people out there like the Navy seals and the astronaunts. Henry ford if it weren't for them we wouldn't have cars . Yeah! alot of people came from africa, europe. and ETC. This is a place where, we are all suppose to get along. But yeah we have muslim bombers. and they are not like that but we just have to live with it cause they are here. Shoudn't we worry about that. then a mascot name. Everybody knows The Sioux in real life are unbelievable and anything they do. But this is a school and it's up to them to keep that name great in which they have been doing. But when people start dressing up like american indians on halloween then that is just wrong and disrepectable & pissing people off. even when they rob banks as former presidents that is disrespectable. So this does really need to end. The presidents and Native people are not here to be halloween and bank robbery amusements. So people need to grow up and realize that there are white black muslim and indian (from India) here and we need to just grin and bear it thanks to Bill Clinton. "

how about this! wrote on Jun 23, 2007 10:19 PM:

" How about if you all just shut up now! the time will come when god will do all the judging. Of all races. "

NOT NECESSARY......... wrote on Jun 23, 2007 4:47 PM:

" LET IT GO ALREADY >>>> HOPEFULLY YOU ARE ALL FIGHTING AS HARD FOR AN EDUCATION AT UND, YOU KNOW LIKE SHOWING UP FOR CLASS EVERYDAY, STUDYING FOR A 4.0 GRADE AVERAGE AND ACTUALLY FEELING THE PRIDE OF GRADUATING AND GETTING THAT DEGREE TO USE TO BE PRODUCTIVE IN HELPING ALL MANKIND. IT'S ABOUT AN EDUCATION PEOPLE ----- NOT A NAME !!! "

Mike R wrote on Jun 22, 2007 10:41 PM:

" SR Native: Most of the natives I know personally feel the same way you do about the logo. Personally I think the big deal over the logo is just noise from a few self serving individuals trying to draw attention to thier own causes and agendas. "

MIke R wrote on Jun 22, 2007 10:38 PM:

" Fuzzy: The shirt you speak of is a perfect example of the extreme ignorance of a few. Don't let that influence your over-all opinion of our race. "

What Tha??? wrote on Jun 22, 2007 5:49 PM:

" Fuzzy is a fine example of being ignorant to the bone. It is time for you to quit being so knit-picky about Natives. Is it really the time to point out the clothes one wears? Get a real life and worry about how you dress or how some non-natives dress who are poor as poor can be. Another fine example of taking the status quo to heart and running with it. Having a one-tracked mind is a terrible thing to waste...ooopps, you are already there. "

fuzzynwarm wrote on Jun 22, 2007 4:11 PM:

" i get all proud too, especially when i see the shirts with a buffalo humping a indian and nobody questions it. indian pride? or just ignorance. "

What Tha??? wrote on Jun 22, 2007 3:37 PM:

" Ladybug, Why don't I just move in with you and you show me how to live. From the sound of it you are trouble-free in life. You act like the majority of ignorant people that think Natives are so low-class and non-natives are just a little higher. Your comments are thoughtless and they have no direction. You can try to spin it anyway possible but you are no different. If I was living on a reservation I would definitely be disgraced with you as my neighbor. You might as well lead the blind with those comments. If your so concerned why don't you try and help instead of pointing fingers. You should take that knowledge you try to demonstrate here and apple that to your local community. I am here to voice my feelings on this hate that is allowed toward Natives. Freedom of Speech?? More like Hate Speech hiding behind an excuse. As for Canada, see you! "

time for change wrote on Jun 22, 2007 2:16 PM:

" Lady Bug, you comments just reinforce what I stated earlier, the reservation must go! This does not mean you would have to move, just be governed under the same rules as the rest of us. Alot of the problems you just mentioned would be taken care of. Not all, this is not a perfect world and never will be but I believe the the situation where you live would improve. "

SR Native wrote on Jun 22, 2007 1:09 PM:

" This has obviously become a topic about the UND Fighting Sioux name. I think it would be a good idea for the tribune to conduct an informal vote on the UND mascott name, there's alot of us reading these comments, Yes = keep the name, No = get rid of it. I'm a Native and like I said, it dosn't bother me and actually gives me a sense of pride, so I vote "YES" "

Ladybug wrote on Jun 22, 2007 1:08 PM:

" Firstly, to What The...the reason articles like this surface is because certain people deliberately make the media aware of the "situation" and push to get it printed. You don't like freedom of speech? You're utilizing yours in posting on this site. Here's a little news flash for you - the freedom of speech means people can say what they want, even if you or anyone else finds it offensive. I personally find it reprehensible when people spew hate but it is their right. Don't like it? I hear all you need is a passport and you're in Canada. To "Don't get all mad @ me natives" - kudos for the comments. I am a non-native living on a reservation. I'm not saying 100 percent of the people live off the government, are alcoholics or suicidal. But there are many here who struggle and little is being done to remedy it. Someone else posted about how criminals are being punished more severely now on the reservations and how that is a great stride, overlooked by many. Apparently you're not on this reservation. People are having their homes vandalized and burglarized with no retribution despite the fact the police know the offenders. A local restaurant was broken into and it took the officers an hour to arrive. There are much bigger issues that people like Gipp need to be looking into. You want to talk about being treated unfairly, spend some time where I live and you'll see things aren't running great with the current leadership representation. So why should one of them be sent to pick another leader? "

OH wrote on Jun 22, 2007 11:53 AM:

" To Es indio de Dakota del Norte – you can see the lite. You sound like a great American person that just has a different culture than I do. Please keep sharing. I find you very informative and interesting. "

Eagle wrote on Jun 22, 2007 11:52 AM:

" I would vote for Es indio de Dakota del Norte as the president of the college. You really have your act together. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us…. "

What Tha...??? wrote on Jun 22, 2007 3:05 AM:

" I can't believe the Bismarck Tribune allows this type of hate speech to exist. I mean c'mon, how much longer will it be allowed and don't be running to the "freedom of speech" defense. That line is redundant. How about writing of other races and their issues for a change. I mean is the Tribune's focus only on natives when it comes to "certain agendas?" Is it possible to read about an issue of another race and see how much bashing takes place on a simple and informative article. Isn't what this article was intended to be in the first place? I guess not. It's shocking and totally class-less of the Bismarck Tribune to allow such hatred to be so visible. Oh yeah, that's right, "freedom of speech!" I don't care how one tries to sugar-coat comments being allowed here for "simple-discussion." These types of "practices" should be brought to the limelight of the whole nation to expose such prejudices and just not kept in North Dakota's Status Quo for the most part. Bismarck Tribune, thumbs down for you! "

To you from me wrote on Jun 22, 2007 12:58 AM:

" This is really an interesting read. I figured I'd take a moment to respond with my own opinion on the matter. Like a few select people, those who are sane at least, Can appreciate the concerns on both "sides" if you will, concerning our need for "representation" as far as a Native American is concerned. My take on it? No one is going to be happy no matter WHAT is decided now, OR in the future on this matter. The fact of the matter is there are far too many self-fulfilling people in the world that only care about what benefits THEM, and what THEY believe in. I would LOVE to see a Native American be a part of the board, but not to REPRESENT any one nation, but to represent the value of education. I would love for whoever that person is, to have the right background to lead us. If that person were Arab, let that position be held by an Arab, if that person were native, let them be native. I am SO sick of the rants concerning "color" in our future for the educational world. Shouldn't we ALL be proud of education in it's OWN entity? Not just what man or woman takes this position, where they come from, who they are but what they have to offer the realm of education. In my opinion, it takes a very big person, no matter what status in society they are, to really see the value of education, and the value of a person and not just throw a fit over the color or the blood count of the person-being native, or non native. Look at the big picture. Education. Either way you slice it, there is not a single nation that is going to be satisfied, so why don’t we all just sit back, and put our faith in all that is right, at the same time hoping that the right people will lead us in the right direction. As it is, we really have no power over this. Not just anybody can hold this position. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 22, 2007 12:09 AM:

" lakota: You mean to tell me you actually have a point to all your rantings? Just kidding. Sorry, I couldn't resist. "

Es indio de Dakota del Norte wrote on Jun 21, 2007 4:58 PM:

" If you are all motivated over the color barrier then you are not thinking rational. Leave skin tone or if you are of Euro,African,Asian or Native descendancies and hairstyle out of the picture and you will have the best qualified candidate. We as people who plan to keep our races/cultures alive need to keep in mind, we are all of Human descent first, all of us, we are not white first, black first, yellow first, red first. We are all Human first, lets say you are injured and in dire need of plasma and the only one to give you blood is from other than your race, will you accept the blood to live or would you not accept and die. We should be looking far ahead to break this barrier. Believe it or not as man evolves not too many different things changed, the only changes takes place are in the daily activity of each race. Here in good old North Dakota nothing has happened with prejudice and it still affects many people. Try to take a bite out of this apple, and see what happens. "

Steve wrote on Jun 21, 2007 4:20 PM:

" I like how all of you associate the negative with Native, it always gets concentrated on by the public, look on the top right of this web page, you'll see a positive article about UTTC and MSU, but not 1 comment other than myself, that story has been out for a week now. Yah, we're really making progress. "

Es indio de Dakota del Norte wrote on Jun 21, 2007 3:19 PM:

" Hello my friends. I have read many comments, I like many and many I dont like. First I want to share is that if this college is going to pick a president, I think that should be left up to the board to pick the best qualified person. To run an institution of any size takes knowledge and experience to keep the place running, and raise the much needed resources to keep the place from going belly up. Many of the things I see here tell me that many want to stick a Indian on the board just because they are Indian, no other reason. Then wave a sovereignty flag, I don’t think that is gonna work. You cant claim Sovereignty then want to dictate to others on your personal feelings over an issue. It sounds like this whole thing is gonna be a RACE ISSUE again. I’ve been to UND with my friends. I see a really good place to go to school. I have read many writings of mistreatment, but while I was there I didn’t experience anything like that. Many times I was with my friends who are all like me of color, I never seen any one treat them any different, but I guess I cant be all over the campus. I like that the college named their team name for the Sioux Warriors. When I go to sports events on the campus you can hear the pride when the announcement is made of how team was named after the Sioux. I am proud of who I am and I am sure there are many who are proud of who they are, I don’t take it the extreme when it comes to being defensive over who I am when it comes to being a different color. I believe the Sioux descendants should get all they can out of the use of the name, even tho I read that the real word isn’t even a Sioux/Lakota or Dakota Nakota word. Tenga una buena tarde "

steve wrote on Jun 21, 2007 1:40 PM:

" You are referring to countries that are run by fascist dictatorships, countries that citizens are still killing each other over control; of course I'm not comparing North Dakota to that. U.S., Britain, France, Australia, etc. free countries where people are suppose to have a voice, where people are "suppose to be equal", when I see troops enter my home, then I’ll be sure to make that comparison to Iraq. "

a voice wrote on Jun 21, 2007 1:00 PM:

" All I know the students have a voice already. It's called student government and NDSA. Basically this amounts to people(politicians/non-students/adults) wanting to get their fingers in something where they don't belong. It's a school for students, with student representation at the school, in the North Dakota University System, and to the Board of Higher Education. If they the students at the school are not being heard then they didn't elect the right student senators and/or NDSA members. Gipp and other non-university groups have no place in this issue or any other debate in the NDUS. United Tribes Technical College is not part of the NDUS. Another way to headline the story: Outside lobbyists try to hijack UND election. "

to Steve wrote on Jun 21, 2007 12:12 PM:

" "Never seen racism like what you see in ND" have you heard of apartheid? How about the horror that the black Americans faced and continue to face in the south? I'm sorry but I fail to see those as accurate comparisons. Nobody is going to the reservations and killing the people. Yes, there were many very ignorant, meaning uneducated, people in the 1800's that did that but this is 2007. Have you heard of the genocide in Isreal or the things that Sadam H. was doing in Iraq? For being all around the world it appears that you missed a few key places for this particular argument. The Native people have a strong culture that is slipping away, that is truely a tragedy in my opinion, but it is up to the people of that culture to keep it alive not me. "

steve wrote on Jun 21, 2007 10:57 AM:

" Editor, nothing deregitory in my comments, and are related to the issue, where are they? "

addressed to: Don't get all mad @ me natives wrote on Jun 21, 2007 10:20 AM:

" So your Indian from India that grow up on government cheese or are you a "Native American" is how my Great grandmother would correct me. I am just caught up in the issue and not only am I a sioux but i'm also half white. I grew up on the reservation but do not live there no longer. The people who chose to live there not all of them stay home and live off the government. They work very hard all day long. The reason they stay there is cause it's home to them. They are comfortable. And these hard working natives and non natives that live there do not gte recognized. We are known as drunks, sucidal ETC. Yes we do speak up and nothing ever happens. So please if you have any great advise or anyway we can touch base with our Tribal Chariman whom is very educated himself please let me know. Then maybe we can all move on and quit wasting our time. "

Steve wrote on Jun 21, 2007 9:29 AM:

" I don't know what kind of family you come from, but all my family works, pays their bills, takes care of their kids, etc, etc. Where's all this special treatment you guys are commenting about, the only thing special about your treatment is teaching my kids what not to do. Both of my grandfathers lived to be in their late 90's, you went to college off the reservation, woopdeedoo, so did I. I will never say that ashamed of where I'm from, I've been all over this globe and seen more cultures than most, and I have to this day, never seen outright racism like North Dakota has. I could care less about the UND mascot issue, it's the overall perspective people have in this state about Natives, everybody assumes that if your Native, you fall into all stereotypes you put us in. 61% of Americans are overweight, heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, 5 million recipients of welfare, average American IQ is 98, SOOOO, shall we start stereotyping? So by these statistics, you are fat, lazy, diseased and dumb, are these true, do these statistics encompass all of you? No they don’t, and neither do the statistics on the reservation. So get off your high horse and quit blaming the Indians for the treatment they receive and take some responsibility for what your society endorses. “It’s the Indians fault their discriminated against, you have nothing to do with it, right”? "

lakota wrote on Jun 21, 2007 9:10 AM:

" Finally!!! MikeR , you get an A+ in geography! Now, let's work on that spelling. I can't believe nobody got my point yet. Maybe nobody will. oh well. Class Dismissed. "

Lost wrote on Jun 21, 2007 8:30 AM:

" So when did UND become part of the reservation. It sounds like just because they use an indian logo, that makes it part of the reservation. I don't think so. Let the pitty party stop. Us natives need a voice. But one that is there for the good of everybody. Not somebody that is going to go on a pitty party for a special few. The logo reminds me of another popular UND. Yep, Notre Dome. The Fighting Irish. If you look at there atheletes, They don't look Irish to me. But you don't hear the Irish complaining. huh. As I said before we need to stop these pitty parties. "

Yak wrote on Jun 21, 2007 8:21 AM:

" This whole issue should have never been brought up. We should not be living in the world where race matters unless we want racism to continue. We need and should be living as the human race not a color race. This is the only way we can move forward and end the racism issue is to have it never brought up again. These issues have to stop with the native Americans and all the Indian tribes bringing up issues for them and all about them. I do not want to read or hear it anywhere that the native Americans needs something. If they request something they should be requesting it for all the people of America. Be proud to be American. If native Americans want to live in their own world then they should never leave their reservations. "

Hairy Ape wrote on Jun 20, 2007 11:15 PM:

" I am surprised that no one has commented on the really outrageous statement in thearticle. It comes from John Paulson, the head of the state board. He made those totally crap, politically safe (correct) statements that they didn't consider ethnic background (surprise, no Native American people on the committee). And that they committee will be able to represent native American concerns. I suspect that these comments are both naive BS but also false. The people who made the decision knew they didn't want any Native American people who might bring up logo issues, even though there are many other issues that Native American people care about. Write to John Paulson and tell him to stop blowing smoke. There are no Native Americans on the committee for a reason. It's no accident. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 20, 2007 7:08 PM:

" lakota: Yes I had some spelling errors - so sue me or something. Whenever you say Class Dismissed, I failed to realize that it was spelling class. Maybe you should be more clear on that next time. As far as why we don't integrate coutries like France and Spain - maybe you should take a class instead of just talking about it - a Geography class that is. France, Spain and Italy are NOT within the borders of this country. You on the other hand do live within the borders. That is a darn huge difference in my book. I can see that you are just trying to bait me into an argument, but I am not biting. I see you for what you are. Your own people don't even agree with you. If that doesn't tell you something, it should. "

Don't get all mad @ me natives wrote on Jun 20, 2007 4:47 PM:

" And you natives wanna cry around about a frickin mascot? About some school that only 400 natives go to anyway? Man we got waaaay bigger problems than some ignorant white guy in turkey feathers. And don't say it's part of a bigger problem of racism and try to say racism is holding us down and all that. Ask any native graduate of UND how racism held them down. It didn't. UND could be the best indian college in all the land and it's mascot could make you shiver with pride like that wicked traditional dancer at the last pow wow but our reservations will still be pitiful, poor, dirty, and depressing. Yeah I said it natives, prove me wrong. Man I'm indian too. We get so passionate about crap like this when are passion should be about our home communities and bettering ourselves and families. Look, we die earlier, we are overweight and diabetic, we have high suicide rates, high alcoholism rates, we don't teach, spend time with, our set rules for our kids and then they have kids as kids and then need welfare, and end up staying on welfare, and end up growing old on welfare, etc, etc, et frickin cetera. The cycle of poverty continues. No one holds us down as much as we hold ourselves down. It's pathetic and it shows in our communities. We say we don't get help from the government, man we aint even interested in helping ourselves. If some redneck gets in your way go around him. Ask the indian UND grads what stopped them. NOTHING DID! We can make choices people but nothing is free. It's gonna take some hard work. Except commods I guess. Y'all can have your government commods. I grew up on that crap. Now I choose to work for steak. "

Chance wrote on Jun 20, 2007 2:51 PM:

" The world is a changing place – while is it is great to keep cultures and customs going through the years to our next generations – it is time to look at the issues there are on the reservations and make some major changes. Right now things aren’t good for most of the people so any change could be a big improvement for these communities. Change is tough but can be very beneficial in the long run. ktaa9 "

Hawk wrote on Jun 20, 2007 2:48 PM:

" To time for change – you are so right on your comments. “As long as the reservations exist the Indian people will be looked at differently, because your are getting special treatment as a people. The first step to ending racism between whites and indians is to eliminate the reservations. Become all American as equals. As long as the native Americans want to be treated different they will continue to separate themselves from the rest of America. "

SEX wrote on Jun 20, 2007 2:47 PM:

" The leaders of anything should be the best person for the job, not because of you race, sex, political side, age etc. Why have someone in a position that looks good and can’t do the job. This means we all fail. "

Sam wrote on Jun 20, 2007 2:32 PM:

" We all need to step-up to the plate and quit bringing up anything to do with race. This includes any tribe or native American person bringing things up that they need something special because they are native American. This is racism and it needs to stop today. It should be for all the people or not at all. "

Fox wrote on Jun 20, 2007 2:25 PM:

" Hatred goes further than race. There is hatred all over. It may because of our dress, talk, hair, color, where we work, where we live and the list goes on. We have to learn to appreciate people for who and what we are. I like all people as long as they treat others with respect & consideration. It is not our right to judge others unless they do harm to someone. "

lakota wrote on Jun 20, 2007 12:33 PM:

" so, if they are integrated, why is there a country called germany, italy, etc...? I give you a D+ for effort. Class dismissed. "

time for change wrote on Jun 20, 2007 11:08 AM:

" to lakota: Your last posting is so wrong it is accually funny. When you say we should intigrate the European countries you seem to be missing the point completely. WE HAVE!! There are no reservations for the Germans, French, Spainards, or Italians. They have been mixed in with the rest of the population. But we still have the reservations for Native Americans. As long as the reservations exist the Indian people will be looked at differently, because your are getting special treatment as a people. The first step to ending racism between whites and indians is to eliminate the reservations. I do not suggest this would be any easy process, but it needs to be done! "

To SR Native wrote on Jun 20, 2007 10:54 AM:

" I agree with over 90% of what you just said. However, what I have seen is this...many very intelligent Native individuals, that I went to college with, get their education and make the statements that they are never going to return to the reservation because they don't want their children to grow up in that environment. That is very unfortunate but it is the truth. These Native persons are bettering themselves and their families but don't want to return to the reservation this makes me wonder just how the change that needs to take place can happen. I applaud those that are taking the steps to make change happen, but I fail to see how forcing a committee to change the members is a benefit. When a group tries to force an issue this, endless arguing blogs, is what happens and nothing is resolved. To everyone else...White, Native, Black, whatever the color just try to see the others point and agree to disagree at this point, bickering is going to get us no place. Again I will recommend Dr. A.C. Ross's book "Mitakuye Oyasin: We are all Related" it is sooo worth the time by everyone regardless of color. Knowledge is the only way this fighting is going to end. "

lakota wrote on Jun 20, 2007 8:43 AM:

" Class is in session! X "category", X "complex", and X "color blind". Going off the subject....since it is OK to integrate the original inhabitants of "America", maybe the integration of France, Spain, Germany, Italy,...etc. is something that could be done; and maybe we could also rename them, we can't have traces of their ancestry lingering in the minds of descendants. Class Dismissed. "

SR NATIVE wrote on Jun 20, 2007 8:30 AM:

" I don't agree with that, there's alot of negative energy in this state in racial issues, but I think things are changing, not in leaps and bounds but small steps. I think the tribes are also progressing, if they werent, then why would they be pushing prosecution on the corrupt thieves. It wasn't the federal prosecuter that decided to this, it was the council members. We're seeing more and more of our youth recieving their college education every year. Our people have only been citizens of this country for 80 years, these are still new democratic governments. The more educated we become, the further we'll progress. There are some good leaders on Standing Rock that do alot for there people. They grew up watching the same corruption you speak of and have decided to end it. Small steps forward are better than walking backwards. The federal money we recieve to operate comes from the same government that funds state, county and city governments off the reservation. So if everyone where cut off, then all would be hurting. "

Da Truth wrote on Jun 19, 2007 8:27 PM:

" So easy to influence a group... One last comment because this bores the sole. Everyone knows nothing will change. AGAIN, it will always be the haves vs. the have nots. I really don't care whether or not an institution is named after my Tribe, your Tribe, or a non-Tribe. The point is, and will always be, that Tribal governments really don't care for their people. If they did, they would all have a plan on what to do once all the funding stops. We all know that if the funding stopped today they would go into bankruptcy or worse. We all see (first hand if you've worked at the Tribe) all the corruption, waste and abuse that occurs when you elect people to positions that have no idea what they are doing. We always get mad and do the "lets blame the white man" game, But the people we have to fear is ourselves...we are our own worst enemies. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 19, 2007 6:48 PM:

" lakota: My comments are not negative. They are factual. And yes there is a HUGE difference. Class is still in session for you apparently. SR Native: I do realize that what I had to deal with was nothing compared to what she had to deal with. I understand that. I also understand that when you are subjected to enough racism that you begin to see it even when it isn't there. I saw that first hand also. Stereotyping goes both ways. Some whites stereotype all natives into the same group - Just as some natives group all whities into the same catagory. All I am saying is don't let the negative ones get to you. I know that is easier said than done, but it sounds like you are trying hard to do the right thing and teach your kids right also. That is great. You are trying to help break the cycle. As far as it being up to you to end the racism - I never said that - or at least never meant it that way. It is up to both sides. White people need to get over thier superiority comples - not a big secret. Natives need to realize at the same time that racism is never going to end as long as they keep insisting on seperating themselves from the rest of the Americans. I truely wish we lived in a colorbling society. The ugly truth is that we don't, and neither side can end it on thier own. In fact, I am sure that it will never end completely. That is why we have to try to ignore the ignorant and keep moving in a positive direction. Again, I do realize that it easier said than done. "

REason wrote on Jun 19, 2007 3:50 PM:

" Here's an idea. Let the Tribal governments poll their own voters and find out what they want. If it is found that the majority do not want UND to use the Sioux name, it can be changed to "Fightin' Whities". I'm sure they won't mind. I agree that the name should not be used if a majority of Lakota don't want it to be used, but on the other hand, let's be serious and undestand that the use of the term "Sioux" to name a sports team was not and is not intended as an insult, any more than the term "Vikings" for the football team is intended to disparge those of Scandinavian descent. Obviously, the use of the name for a sports team is mean to honor the fighting prowess of the Sioux (or Vikings) and to hope some of that fierceness rubs off on the team. BUT if a majority of Lakota really feel that strongly about it, then by all means, stop using the team name. The name belongs to them anyway, not to anyone else. "

SR NATIVE wrote on Jun 19, 2007 11:28 AM:

" First, you can start by understanding you don't fully understand what it is like to be discriminated against, you where in a mixed race relationship, fine, but you never had to deal with what your significant other had to deal with her whole life. You only had a small taste of what it is like, I still have the pictures of the graffiti that vandals left for Natives on the UND campus. Really instills a message of progress in ND, but I don't judge all of you as being that way. I overall enjoyed my time in Grand Forks, just like I overall enjoy my time in ND, but I can rarely go anywhere without seeing or hearing some stereotypes about us. I can ignore all I want, but it's a heck of alot harder trying to explain to my daughter why people treat us the way they do. I don't preach hate to my child, but you can imagine how many other Native children see the treatment their families recieve and choose to give that hate back. You say it's up to the Native population to due away with racism in this state, if that where only true. "

Dave Gipp Supporter wrote on Jun 19, 2007 10:25 AM:

" Of course, President Gipp has a "political agenda:" to improve the quality of life for all North Dakotans by making sure that Native American leaders are appointed to powerful committees that make decisions that affect all North Dakotans. His agenda is not "secret." It's totally upfront and out in the open. The Presidential search committee should definitely include Native American people. One of the previous writers, I can't find him now, wrote that there should be at least 2 NA reps on the committee. That sounds good to me. President Gipp has plenty of work to do, and I doubt that he wants to be on the committee. He is already the President of one of our ND colleges, so that doesn't sound too appropriate. But, at least, the head of the search committee said that are thinking about expanding the committee. "

lakota wrote on Jun 19, 2007 7:56 AM:

" Yeah, guess who keeps typing the negative comments? If you get this one right, I'll graduate you from the class of NO CLASS. Class Dismissed. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 19, 2007 6:28 AM:

" SR NATIVE: I actually HAVE been on the recieving end and I DO know what it is like first hand. I was in a mixed race relationship and saw first hand the discrimination - much of which was directed at me for being in the relationship. But I also witnesses how she "found" examples of racism that really were not there. There are plenty of racist people here in ND, but just like you, she saw far more of them then actually existed. So you see, I have experienced it. Who is the one making assumptions and generalizations now? When I asked if you had been to a Sioux game, I was asking a question. I was not making any acusations or assumptions. If you truely were a student of UND, then you know what I am talking about. I asked you to not generalize your feelings based on the attitudes of the drunken idiots. It was not a lecture and nothing to get worked up about. Apparently I hit a nerve somewhere. That was not my intention. Yes, I realize that natives need to put up with these drunken idiots at every game and almost every day. Most natives are strong enough people to be able to do that. I can't fix that, and I never said it was right or OK. What do you want me to do about it? Just curious. "

SR NATIVE wrote on Jun 18, 2007 11:37 PM:

" Mike R, I see your comments in every race issue on this site, you've never been on the recieving end of racial discrimination, but you sure have alot to say about it. I never generalized all of the caucasion race did I, my comment said alot of people. When I see alot of people using deregitory and obscene behavior in reference to my race, I will call as I see it. Yes, I have been to UND sporting events, I was a student there, and I also seen the outright racism alot of the community had towards Natives, but I'm not generalizing everybody am I. The honoring the school shows towards the Sioux people is not what I'm criticizing, it's the manner in which the public conduct themselves. If you had to sit there and watch and listen to people degrade your race and ancestry, you would have a whole different perspective, the few drunken idiots you talk about represent the treatment Natives in this area have to deal with everyday, but you wouldn't know anything about that would you. "

post again! wrote on Jun 18, 2007 9:43 PM:

" To How about the Roughriders: Keep what name I hope you aint talking about the Sioux name. Everyone from New York to California all know the non-whites here in ND only took the name stole (yet another) it and disrespected it along with the people's respect. So if you feel you need to keep the name then keep it but I aint saying no more cause all I know is my friends from NY and CA all know it was stolen and disrespected anyways. So if this helps you all sleep at night well then I guess I'm done here. Talk All you want about the Government baby! cause I have a feeling your gonna run into some educated native americans. Get ready. "

How about the Roughriders wrote on Jun 18, 2007 9:19 PM:

" don't flatter yourself I know alot of non-natives who only kissed-butt to get where they are now. So you can knock off your bull anytime and spare us please. "

How about the Roughriders wrote on Jun 18, 2007 7:50 PM:

" Maybe we should take an unofficial poll... Keep the name or not keep the name. I say keep the name. Appoint or not appoint. Not appoint. "

here we go again wrote on Jun 18, 2007 5:50 PM:

" when is it going to stop? oh yeah probably never. im not racist or anything but it seems that the Native Americans are never happy. they are always dividing themselves from all the other americans and expect always something and think they deserve more. if they get help from the government everyone else should too. i dont think they should get special privileges cause of what happened 100 years ago or whatever. "

Sounds Like A Farce wrote on Jun 18, 2007 5:16 PM:

" Underneath all the rants about proper and just representation, there is a motive! What this motive is, is becoming rather apparent, Dave Gipp wants to be the appointee!, he wants to TRY and further his agenda at the expense of the Indians of North Dakota. He has a limited view of what it is truly like to live on the reservation, having spent about 18 years of his sheltered life there, periodically he visits. But he knows little of the everyday struggles the people endure, while people like him TRY to bolster their personal positions, at these very same people's expense just because they have the features and color of us REAL Indians! You outlived your usefulness at UTTC, and the Board's decisions are reflective of your position there! "

Nam Vet wrote on Jun 18, 2007 4:57 PM:

" I never heard any racists comments in the bush man, 99% of the time the "non Indian boys" refused to go out in the bush when there was a bad moon on the rise unless an Indian boy was on point ,see race didn't matter when your butt was on the line we were all brothers first and Americans 2nd so when has all these people commenting put there butts on the line for this country, Reservations included we have a lot bigger issues out there to worry about. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 18, 2007 4:33 PM:

" Native vet: Don't get your underwear in a bunch over this. I said some natives are self serving - like Mr. Gipp with his political agenda. Never did anyone say this included all natives and especially not the vets. Don't read anything into these comments that isn't there. SR native: Have you ever been to a Sioux game? They way in which the Indian people are honored is astounding. Yes there are war whoops and things like that from the crowd, but don't judge everyone by the drunken antics of a few. "

Native Vet wrote on Jun 18, 2007 3:34 PM:

" Natives have been fighting for this country since before they where allowed U.S. citizenship, they've made huge contribution to protecting and securing U.S. interests. So those of you who are making assumptions that Natives are only interested in themselves, take a look at your life and remember who fought and died to protect that life, from all races. "

SR Native wrote on Jun 18, 2007 3:23 PM:

" The phrase UND "Fighting Sioux" dosn't bother me at all, it actually gives me a sense of pride that a university would use it, but it's not what the term represents that bothers alot of people, it's the way alot people use it. I've been to quite a few different UND sporting events and alot of people still use the mascott/name in deregitory ways. I couldn't help but feel offended at the way alot of people percieved indians as being. It's like they watched those old westerns movies and think thats how Natives really are. We go around patting our hands on our mouths going "woh woh woh", that's all hollywood perception and it is very offensive. I think the majority of people in this area agree that racism is very strong in these parts. So when you combine racism with a Indian Mascott, you can about imagine what you're going to get. If there where a way to due away with racism, "or at least lessen it", then it wouldn't be such a big deal. UND can keep the name, but I think they should make a bigger effort in keeping the name from being used in deregoritory ways. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 18, 2007 12:52 PM:

" lakota: The word may not be of lakota origin, but the lakota definitely like to point out that it is a derrogatory term. You use it to identify yourselves, but at the same time you complain how derrogatory it is. I don't care who came up with the word, and I don't care if it was originally intended as a derrogatory term or not. The FACT of the matter is that the Sioux people use the term proudly now. That is all that matters NOW. By the way, you are doing nothing but advertising for negative responses with your "class dismissed" line "

lakota wrote on Jun 18, 2007 12:32 PM:

" Stick to the facts, the word "sioux" is NOT a word from the Lakota language. I did not comment on the usage of the term, but rather the origin. Class dismissed (again). "

How about the Roughriders wrote on Jun 18, 2007 12:01 PM:

" I agree with Mike R. Mr. Gipp has an agenda and not a hidden one. He wants to have his cake and eat it too. He's an educated man - graduated from UND; but he still wants to be a victim. My folks didn't raise me to be a victim. I was taught that you get what you work for; they didn't let me feel sorry for myself. I raised my sons the same way, told them when they were 18 - go to school, get a job or move out - so they did all three. Unfortunately, not everyone sees it the same way. And those are the very loud voices that don't speak for me or my family. But the Governor will probably cave in and appoint an indian so he can't be accused of being racist. Too bad. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 18, 2007 11:11 AM:

" What: Ther is a difference between being loud in order to defend yourself and being loud to further a political agenda. You are defending yourself. Mr. Gipp is pushing a political agenda. One has reason to be loud. The other is self serving. "

What? wrote on Jun 14, 2007 5:47 AM: wrote on Jun 18, 2007 10:50 AM:

" This comment right here started all the negativity. Now we how what ND really thinks of Natives. Yeah were very loud when it comes to defending ourselves. As A native american woman there are much more better things to worry about like taxes, gas prices. other things like that If you wanna start out with negative comments your gonna get back negative comments x10. So don't be complaining. You know before I didn't care about the name but now rethinking this whole thing just change it to the fighting whiteys. that makes more sense. And if anyone from outside ND asks how they got the name ask them to read these comments that were posted. "

Da Truth wrote on Jun 18, 2007 10:46 AM:

" I say "get a life" to the whole thing! There are more important issues like housing and employment and actually managing a Tribe like a business instead of an employment agency for extended family. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 18, 2007 8:38 AM:

" Seems to me that the Indian community is not suffering from lack of a voice. They appear to have several very loud voices. Unfortunately I don't think those voices are speaking for the entire Indian community but rather for a a handful of self serving individuals with political agendas. "

Balance of bull wrote on Jun 18, 2007 12:48 AM:

" What I haven't noticed on this posting is anyone other than Indians and whites pointing out their race or racial stance. Why? Because this is about picking a university president and a mascot. We're not picking a president or other policial office which deserves attention to population diversity. I am a non-native living on a reservation and am, to an extent, affected by the decisions of the tribal government. Non-natives make up more than 4 percent of the population on this reservation (as Indians make up approximately that at UND). Not one of us has an option of who runs, is elected or appointed to the council or as chairman. There may be employees of the tribes who are non-native but I would be laughed out of the building if I showed up to vote for a council representative. I have no say in the seriously lacking policing handled by the tribe and federal government. So as I have no say in many of the decisions affecting my life on the reservation, I think this notion of having one...or two, as suggested below...Indian representatives on this panel, I think a culture should have no right to insist they receive a say in this decision. If there's a call for equal representation of the student body, there should be people from out of state and country, a balance of men and women, old and young, tall and short, fat and thin, gay and straight, married and single...there would be no end to the injustice. And remember, all this energy to hire one person. Hire, NOT ELECT. "

Sounds like a Farce wrote on Jun 17, 2007 9:19 PM:

" Governor Hoevon,APPOINTED an Indian, (Just GAVE him the job!) Charlie Murphy from Ft Yates, to the Board and Charlie walked away from the Board after afew months, Either it was to tough to serve or he wasn't competent enough to serve as the "Voice" for the Indians. Now we bring forth an agenda of Non Representation. I think Gipp is surely promoting his own agenda and will continue until his background is exposed! When skeltons clank to together some rather sheepish sounds are made, If you catch my drip, Davey! So don't flatter yourself. The Re "Buttals" will continue to get louder! This is self serving and without merit "

Dave wrote on Jun 17, 2007 6:38 PM:

" If Sioux is such a derogatory name, why haven't the Native Americans pushed for Sioux County to change their name? C'mon, even the Standing Rock tribe uses the word Sioux on their website - http://www.standingrock.org/ The hypocrisy regarding this issue is pathetic. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 17, 2007 1:48 PM:

" lakota: Class is back in session baby. If Sioux is such a derogatory term, then why do the Lakota Sioux use it themselves when referring to the Sioux nation? I don't see too many white people referring to themselves as honkys. You do see Sioux people refferring to themselves as Sioux. If the name were truely so offensive, why would they do that? Doesn't make sense to me. "

Da Truth wrote on Jun 17, 2007 12:20 PM:

" Mike obviously never experienced racism....oh yeah..my bad! Minority groups know racism is alive and well everywhere...especially ND. I never experienced overt racism till I moved to ND. But, I agree that Tribes do whatever they want, when they want, at the expense of their own peoples. Tribes often do not walk their talk. I agree. It's the old haves vs. the have nots... "

lakota wrote on Jun 17, 2007 12:02 PM:

" SIOUX is a derogatory term created by NON-indians. This term is also used to describe the peoples of the buffalo plains by the NON-indians. Class dismissed. "

vr wrote on Jun 17, 2007 10:31 AM:

" I think that people need to consider that SIOUX is not a DAKOTA word and let it be. The majority of the INDIANS complaing about this name are Chippewa anyway. Should there be an Indian on this committee? Does it matter? Mr. Gipp is only making a statement for his own attention. Why doesn't he ask Qualified Educated American Indians to apply and then see what happens? "

Mike R wrote on Jun 16, 2007 8:20 AM:

" concerned ND citizen: I find it amazing that you actually believe that all us white folks are wrong and we have all been taught the wrong message but you alone acually "know" the real truth. That sounds pretty arrogant to me. As far as the dual citizenship, yes Indians do fall well within both catagories. Just lets not claim sovereign nation and completely abandon any form of citizenship when it suits you, then turn around and claim full and equal citizenship a day later - again when it suits you. In my personal opinion, Indians have done more to keep the races seperated and therefore keep racism alive than anything the white man has done in the past 50 years. What was done to the Indians was terrible. We stripped away your freedoms, your way of life, your customs, etc. It wasn't right, but it happened. Where we go from there is up to you. You can choose to make everything a race issue and continue the racism like you have been doing, or we can strive for a truely colorblind society and not define ourselves by our race. It won't happen overnight, but I am hopeful that someday we can actually achieve this. "

waronpoverty wrote on Jun 16, 2007 2:41 AM:

" The roughriders sound good, no one will be offended by cowboy it is an occupation not a tribe of people. The State collects the taxes on the reservation for the Utilities and income tax etc. from non-natives on the reservation and doesn't provide services for the reservations so why bother having natives in the state government or any other agencies. The tribes have to collect these taxes and use them to improve their quality of life. No one can stop them from collecting taxes except themselves. Instead of sharing taxes for oil we should partner with the state and build a casino in Fargo and Grand Forks and share the profits. Lets work together, put your money where your mouth is and help us help ourselves and you can benefit also. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 15, 2007 11:54 PM:

" A few people have made one very good point. Wouldn't it be nice if all people could get past the race issue? Not just the ones who hate other races, but those who identify themselves by thier race? Instead of saying I am an Indian woman, or I am a black man, what if we all just said "I am an American". What if we didn't have reservations because we didn't see people as Indian, black, white, or hispanic? Wouldn't that be truely somehting amazing? One of the best speakers and also one of the greatest Americans of all time (in my opinion) was Martin Luther King Jr. He didn't preach about Black power or special treatment for hos race. He preached about all Americans being equal. Just stop and think where this country might be at now if he had not been shot. "

concerned ND citizen wrote on Jun 15, 2007 10:33 PM:

" to "here we go again" time for a quick lesson here I see. Study Indian Law, you will be quite surprised, that they can be both. 100% per cent of those laws were also written by non-Indians as well. True history has never been taught and people like you have been given what "the powers that be" want you to learn not KNOW. Last Comment, and it's on the article. I trust the committee to do a commendable job. Maybe there is a chance they will entertain not only questions but a face to face with the Tribal Leaders and discuss their concerns. let's try and stop the "Hostile and abusive environment" it might help us all. "

Dave wrote on Jun 15, 2007 10:16 PM:

" Why? Do the Indians invite non-indians to participate in their selection process for any professionals that may have to interact with the non-indian community? I doubt it!!! "

Nodakman wrote on Jun 15, 2007 10:01 PM:

" This is Gipp's way of using race to get his voice heard. With sky high suicide rates of the reservation,alcoholism, poverty, unemployment one would think he would have bigger fish to fry. It appears as if he is just trying to further himself and his agenda rather than any other members of his 'people" "

Herewegoagain wrote on Jun 15, 2007 4:59 PM:

" To concerned nd citizen. The point is that if a non-Native not living or working on the reservation wanted to jump in the middle of the Tribal Counsel and demand a position on the Counsel because "they are a ND resident" they would be run out of town, laughed at, and probably refered to the mental health professionals in that town for even attempting. That is were the discrepency comes in. It is all or nothing...either be a resident of ND or a resident of a sovereign nation you can't just pick which it's going to be when it is convenient for the individual. I say individual because I believe that many of the radical ideas coming from some Natives is not the belief of the whole. Keep your culture alive and be proud of that, nobody is arguing that, it is something to be VERY proud of, but when it comes to politics the decision needs to be made...are Natives going to be a sovereign nation or part of the state/country as a whole without seperate rules, laws and regulations? "

time for change wrote on Jun 15, 2007 2:30 PM:

" Two Eagles, well put yourself. My comments were not meant to critisize the indian poeple but to make a point. 100 and some years ago the reservations had a very important purpose. Neither the Indian Nations or the American people were ready to bring their cultures togather. Thats not the case today. I feel all Americans including Native Americans would be better off without the reservations. A lot of people resent the Indian people because of the benifits they receive from the goverment by being apart of the reservation. If we want to be one people and be treated as one, then abolish the reservations! "

concerned nd citizen wrote on Jun 15, 2007 1:45 PM:

" to NDr; ND is it's own state, is exactly the point. Native Americans are very much a part of this state and that is exactly why they SHOULD have a voice. It also seems you haven't been to any reservation lately, there are many Non-Indians working and living and getting along very well on the reservations, some even work right in the Tribal Offices hired on by the very Tribes you don't want to include in this "wonderful" state of yours. Your attitude is exactly the type that has created this UND sports environment as "Hostile and Abusive." Can't you get It. GO BEAVERS!!! "

Figure it wrote on Jun 15, 2007 1:14 PM:

" Good point NDr. The native americans have to choose. What is it going to be? "

NDr wrote on Jun 15, 2007 11:29 AM:

" Are there Canadians on the panel? Are there Minnesotans on the panel? The tribes are always telling us their sovereign nations. If that's true, then why should they have any voice in such a selection. ND is it's own state. The tribes certainly don't let any of us non-tribal members get involved in their selection processes. So, why should we allow people from a seperate sovereign nation be involved in ours? You can't have it both ways folks...... "

concerned citizen wrote on Jun 15, 2007 10:44 AM:

" Native Americans in North Dakota are concerned about more than just the logo at UND. Many Native Americans students are enrolled at UND. The federal government provides funds for special programs that Native American people care about. Of course, the person responsible for appointing the search committee members shouldn't have overlooked the many qualified Native people who would have been contributors on the committee. I would hope they would ask any potential candidates their thoughts and feelings about logo issues, but there is a lot more to it than just that. "

To "How about The Roughriders" wrote on Jun 15, 2007 10:02 AM:

" No, that wouldn't work either because then we would be discriminating for using a white mascot. It will have to be an inanimate object. Let's call them The Fighting Paperclips! "

WWW wrote on Jun 15, 2007 9:43 AM:

" Good and evil comes from the inside of a person not from the color of their skin. We are all people. We need to unite as Americans and live in the US as the human race. "

All together wrote on Jun 15, 2007 9:42 AM:

" I am really sick and tired of the Indian people bringing up race. They are being racist themselves. This also goes with the blacks. What if the white people started stating for “white people only”? It should be about “people” not Indians vs the whites or blacks vs. whites. Let’s pull together as Americans and treat each other with respect and show each other how we want to be treated. Please quit dividing us with race and voice for a certain race. We should be for the people by the people. "

Hawk wrote on Jun 15, 2007 9:24 AM:

" Aaron ……. We would not have minorities if we would become color blind and see people for who they are and not for the color of their skin. The color of someone’s skins doesn’t matter. Making you a good person is someone that is a kind, respectful, considerate, giving and caring person. This is the kind of people I want in my community. Color doesn’t matter. "

Two eagles wrote on Jun 15, 2007 9:08 AM:

" To time for change ----- thanks ---- well put. The US government hasn’t done the Indian tribes any favors by giving them everything. The reservations have the highest suicide rates across the country. This is because the people their have no purpose in life, no goals, no reason to live and no self respect. These people are living for the next hand out. The rest of America is also suffering with the same things with the welfare system the way it is. It is great to assist people when times are tough but people need to support themselves to be productive humans. Be a Proud American! "

How about The Roughriders wrote on Jun 15, 2007 8:30 AM:

" The Roughriders! I submit 'The Roughriders' for the new UND mascot name. Who can argue with the Roughriders? And in about 70 or 80 years someone will come along and decide that name is derogatory to cowboys. A cowboy dressed like Teddy Roosevelt could ride a horse across the hockey arena, basketball floor, football field, soccer field, baseball diamond, chess arena.. and you can teach the horse tricks - like bowing and counting with one hoof. Gipp only wants to influence the new UND President to change the nickname, that's why he wants representation on the selection committee. And you can't say I'm racist - I'm a Sioux. "

MIke R wrote on Jun 14, 2007 8:35 PM:

" ND Resident: You shouldn't question my educational background. I would bet that I am more educated than you are. Yes I understand that UND is place of higher education, but it is Run through state government. It is not a private institution. It is a public college, funded by taxpayer dollars, granted thier budget by the ND legislature. You see, it is a very political institution. Politics equals government - like state government. So comparing a state run institution to another government entity is comparing apples to apples. To "to mike r": I understand the dual citicenship issue and I must admit that it is one heck of a mess to keep it straight all the time, but I think sometimes people like to use it to their advantage. Sovereign nations when it suits them, ND citizen when it suits them - kind of playing both sides of the same issue at the same time. I know that some are going to call me a racist for making this statement, but that would be wrong. Pointing out a curiosity shouldn't make a person a racist - just observant. "

CONCERNED ND CITIZEN wrote on Jun 14, 2007 5:15 PM:

" FYI, the present und president established a committee to tour the state and actually had a open, intelligent dialogue concerning the Fighting Sioux name. During the course of the discussion, the powers that be, state board of higher ed., decided that there actually were many in the state of nd that felt it was time to develop a process to change the name. As the present comments are reflecting and the discussion was showing, maybe not now on the name change, but, as one commentor stated in Bismarck, we've only been a state for a little over a century, and as we mature in that manner, we will see more clearly that the native americans, or any other group or race of people should never be used as mascots or monikers for fun and games, where people can take things from their culture and exploit them with total disregard, and disrespect for them. The State Board of HIGHER EDUCATION stepped in and stopped the dialogue. Basically saying intelligent discussion should not be had. OH YEAH! TAKE A LOOK AT THE COMMENTS, STILL HOSTILE AND ABUSIVE! generations to come will understand. "

Aaron wrote on Jun 14, 2007 3:56 PM:

" One cannot truely understand the plight of minorities unless you are one. It is not playing the race card, it is taking into consideration past and present mistreatment (of which there is much). "

time for change wrote on Jun 14, 2007 3:48 PM:

" The time has come to abolish the whole concept of the reservation. Who else has land set aside for their people. If you want to bring up the ancient indian wars and treaties, they took place over 100 years ago and all those involved are long dead and gone. The indian people were once a proud and noble people but now because of the safeguard of the reservation they have more alchoholism, drug abuse, and unemployement then the rest of the country. They should be treated just like the rest of the country, and that includes being self sufficent and mixing in with the rest of our culture. "

MamaMia wrote on Jun 14, 2007 3:48 PM:

" To Oracle CEO: You are wrong no matter what Random House says. There is no such thing as the "Dutch" race. There are three main races in the world. Black people belong to one of them, whites to another (even though many very dark skinned people still are in the white category--Middle Eastern people and Indian people from India come to mind). Asian, and aboriginal North and South Americans belong to a third great race. With intermarriage, there are undoubtedly mixed race people, but German, Dutch, Norwegian, ect. are NOT races of people. That title is merely an indication of the country in which they reside and possibly the customs to which they adhere. "

hahaha yeah wrote on Jun 14, 2007 3:45 PM:

" the fighting whitey's and then they can carry flickertails. Go whitey's i'll cheer for that i'll be the biggest hockey fan from ND. YEAH!! but no seriously all kidding aside as a native american I don't have a problem with the name I have a problem when it comes to them not respecting it. even people ive talked to way over in New York believe they just took that name and disrespected it. "

Beesh wrote on Jun 14, 2007 3:02 PM:

" TIme to change the UND name to the "Fighting Whiteys" and see who complains! "

Edward wrote on Jun 14, 2007 2:48 PM:

" Is there an out of state member of the committee? I am concerned that out of state students concerns will not receive enough consideration in the presidential-selection process. I am sure the percentage of out of state students is greater than 3.23% of the current student body. "

SE Forty wrote on Jun 14, 2007 2:30 PM:

" Why is it when something about Indians makes the news some of you White people start up on us. Ignorant just like your parents were. Now I'm sure you will pass it on to your kids. Or maybe they will get smart and move away from you. Why not have a rep. from the indian side? Welcome to Nor Dakota - Ya Betchca "

ND Guy wrote on Jun 14, 2007 2:24 PM:

" Glad BHE president John Q. Paulsen understood the purpose of the Presidential Selection Committee was to select a good college president, not represent different groups on campus. Good leaders know how to weave together many diffenent interets into a whole cloth (education, research, service athletics, alumni, economic development, international students, native students, graduate programs, distance learning, etc.). And folks with a single agenda, like David Gipp, should not be on the committee. "

Oracle CEO wrote on Jun 14, 2007 2:09 PM:

" Deb, this is ironic. If you would crack open a dictionary or some other reference book, you would see that a race can also be any people united by common history, language, cultural traits, etc. (e.g. the Dutch race). I copied that right out of Random House's dictionary. "

Deb wrote on Jun 14, 2007 2:05 PM:

" I'd cheer for the Fighting Flickertails anyday. I'll never cheer for the Fighting Sioux. "

concerned wrote on Jun 14, 2007 2:02 PM:

" Native Americans play a big part in the history if the United States. and how this country was founded. I say Native American or not, whom ever has the right Knowlegde is good enough for the job. mamamia you say how strange it is to have a native voice where they use the natives tribal name as the school nickname. beats me!!! i don't know why a bunch of hockey players would wanna go around wanting to be called the fighting sioux. the real sioux don't play hockey they never did. either maybe they should drop the name if they don't have enough repect for it. you all talk about being american when in the USA we have a california governor from austria. yes please tell me where are the american values to that? "

ccbaker wrote on Jun 14, 2007 1:58 PM:

" Im a 2003 class of Nursing grad. Im full blooded Native from ND. Seems like all that is in question is the Fighting Sioux name, and what the new president will do of it. I feel that there is so much more to concern the Native population of students there other than that, The Fighting Sioux was a issue long before I got there and still there 4 years later. I was way too busy with my studies and providing for my family to get caught up in something that will always be an issue. I must say im very proud to have graduated from the University of North Dakota. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to attend and get the education I needed. "

To UND Graduate wrote on Jun 14, 2007 1:24 PM:

" So that is what is happening in the southwest part of our nation!!! We just claimed the land from the Mexicans too, if you look at it your way. It is called there were wars fought and as a result, land became a part of the United States. And besides that, I highly doubt I personally took any land from you or any of your living relatives either. Get in to the 21st century! If you really want to blame it on someone, let's blame everything on the British! If it weren't for them, there wouldn't have been a United States and there would be no white people here today! "

Love All wrote on Jun 14, 2007 1:21 PM:

" People do not hate the Native American people. They are just saying that when off the indian reservations all American people are equal and not of differnet race. Race should never be a factor in anything and the same goes with religion and sex. We are all Americans and we should all stick together as Americans to be the best country in the world. "

to MamaMia wrote on Jun 14, 2007 1:18 PM:

" Remember that David Gipp and Leigh Jeanette are some of the masterminds driving the get rid of the Sioux name. They want a person on the committee that will push for a President that would favor changing the name. If they would put a Native American on the committee that was not of like mind they would complain that that person were not the right person. My guess is, this is a plot to put preasure on the Board of Higher Education to put David Gipp on the selection committee. Matters not, we are becoming a country of candies that wants everyone to skip down the yellow brick road holding hands and we cannot have health disagreements anymore. I'm sure we will be cheering for the Fighting Flickertails soon. "

Brett wrote on Jun 14, 2007 1:14 PM:

" Isn't this the American Indains being racist? Isn't being racist what the Amercian Indains want to do away with? Then why are the Indians always bring their race up? "

MamaMia wrote on Jun 14, 2007 12:58 PM:

" I wonder how a segment of the population in New York City would feel if Columbia University called its athletes (if they had any) "The Fighting Jewish Haberdashers". Oy vey! I bet it wouldn't be pretty. "

UND Graduate wrote on Jun 14, 2007 12:49 PM:

" Doesn't surprize me, all of the above comments that is. I graduated from UND with honors and Am NAtive American from North Dakota and Am once again reminded of why I do not return home. It's because of the small minded individuals that make up the majority who currently exists on my home lands. yes, people you must remember that at one time all the land that you have "claimed" was once Indain land, and as far as I am concerned give the Native people a voice most other universities do!!!!!!N joying the southwest...Where I have a voice...Please people stop being so hateful. "

Skeeter wrote on Jun 14, 2007 12:49 PM:

" Here's a scenario: Native American voice appointed to search committee (Because of nickname only, otherwise this wouldn't be considered). Nickname becomes huge issue in finding president. Nickname somehow is forced to be changed. No more need for Native American Voice (or N.A. programs) at UND. Many Native American students suffer as a result, but the tribe wins...I guess. "

Deb wrote on Jun 14, 2007 12:15 PM:

" Phil - maybe you need to spend some more time in school: We're talking about races, not ethnicities. Dutch, Germans, and Russians are all of the Caucasian race. People from India are caucasians too. As are Iranians. So, yo'ure not just related to "white" people, Phil! Native Americans are of their own distinct race and are closest related, race wise, to the Inuits of Alaska and the Native Brazilians. Having your race and its inherent issues represented on such a powerful committee seems only fair to me. "

USA wrote on Jun 14, 2007 12:01 PM:

" I would not vote for the President of the United States because the person is a woman or if they black. I vote for the person because of the job they can do for this country. "

Wes Long Feather wrote on Jun 14, 2007 11:59 AM:

" Good day all, I feel that anyone advocating for a spot on the search committee should have submitted their request. I always hope for positive comments from anyone which I found when BP and to Mike R. made their very insightful and appropriate comments, thank you. I thank you for your time and continued work towards building relations. "

FIT4life wrote on Jun 14, 2007 11:58 AM:

" WOW! Good point - MamaMia. "

Thanks..... wrote on Jun 14, 2007 11:57 AM:

" To Herewegoagain - very well put. We are the human race. America is built on the many different cultures we as humans are. But there should be no way that that when it comes to running for something that it should be one nationality vs another. "

HTW wrote on Jun 14, 2007 11:51 AM:

" It should people people attending colleges and people running colleges. Where does race play a factor here? "

UND Alum wrote on Jun 14, 2007 11:34 AM:

" Simply amazing!! The race card is getting played awfully early, isn't it? I have to agree with What?'s post at 5:47. There are a few Native American's out there that WANT to make everything a race issue. It's a disgrace to all North Dakotans. "

to MamaMia wrote on Jun 14, 2007 11:25 AM:

" I have a number of Native friends and ALL of them could care less about the schools name. Of my friends most of them feel that it is a compliment and not a negative, as the name was intended and a very talented Native artist drew the head that is used. I was told that the head has many significant parts withing the painting that are held in very high regard. One friend put it very well when he stated "The name Fighting Sioux is a good way of saying that our culture has fought to keep the tradition alive". It's too bad that a few are bringing down the name of very good people. "

MamaMia wrote on Jun 14, 2007 11:06 AM:

" Kind of strange that Indians would want a "voice" in a university that calls its athletic teams the Fighting Sioux! "

why? wrote on Jun 14, 2007 10:24 AM:

" Why should a single 'race' get preferential treatment? If we say we must have 1 or 2 native americans on this committee because there are native americans at the university, then we should also have 1 or 2 blacks, 1 or 2 asians, 1 or 2 europeans, etc... We are all American people, the committee should be made up of competent Americans - it shouldn't matter where they come from or what 'race' they are. "

Herewegoagain wrote on Jun 14, 2007 9:53 AM:

" Why must every thing always come down to us and them. We are Americans! I am sick of one or two trying to stir the pot on issues like this. People are people, there is only one race...the human race, there are many cultures and those cultures need to finally suck it up and get along and stop making everything us vs. them. I am sure the committee that has been selected is fully capable of selecting a new president that is very qualified. "

to Mike R wrote on Jun 14, 2007 9:24 AM:

" The sovereign Native American nations are located inside the borders of North Dakota. There are many ways that the State of North Dakota and the five Native Nations must work out jurisdiction issues, etc. The University of North Dakota serves many students who are part of these Native Nations and receives funds from the government of the United States of America to serve these students. UND and the state of North Dakota (that's all of us) benefit from this federal support. So, Mike, your curiosity is justified, but there is a good answer for it. "

BP wrote on Jun 14, 2007 9:19 AM:

" I agree that the search committee should include a Native American voice, but it should be Native American "voices." Appointing one Native American representative makes that one person the "token Indian" in a group of Non-Indians. There should be at least two Native AMerican people on the search committee. I can think of dozens of Native American leaders in our state who would do an excellent job of searching for the next president of UND. The college presidents are some of the most powerful and influential people in North Dakota. It's time for Native American voices on this committee. I think I'll send a list of potential members to the Governor. "

Math guy wrote on Jun 14, 2007 8:58 AM:

" To represent all groups, colleges, factors, constituencies, etc the search committee would have to be 40 members, which is ridiculous and irrational. The last UND Prez search committee had 26 or 27 members and functioned very poorly. Large committees formed from constituencies cannot pick leaders as everyone is trying to figure out who will pander to their special interests. Glad Board of Higher Ed went with a 16 member committee, which is stil probably twice the size it should be. "

Phil wrote on Jun 14, 2007 8:28 AM:

" Race should never be a part of this. If one race gets a voice, what about the German, Russian, Dutch, black, and the list goes on. If the people on their indian reservations want to make the indian race a preference that is their business but when they step foot off of the reservation then it is about the American people. One race should never be better than another race. "

Americans wrote on Jun 14, 2007 8:23 AM:

" I thought we are all Americans. Why is it that the Indain people are always seperating their race with the rest of the Americans? We need to be the American race and we all should be treated equal. "

ND Resident wrote on Jun 14, 2007 8:17 AM:

" Mr. Mike R I thought UND is a place of higher education? Comparing the Candian governement to a University is like comparing apples and oranges. I wonder if you even went to college? "

waronracism wrote on Jun 14, 2007 7:30 AM:

" There is non native americans working for our government. Your race baiting with that statement. My comments have not been posted for the last month but what? can write something like this and get posted, is it to keep the race problems going. "

Mike R wrote on Jun 14, 2007 6:12 AM:

" I don't consider myself racist at all, but just curious. Why would a supposedly "sovereign nation" want a voice in a ND state insitution? That would be like the US wanting a representative in the Canadian government. "

What? wrote on Jun 14, 2007 5:47 AM:

" I hope the First Nations people heard in this story are kidding. I've lived in the Dakotas for almost 20 years. One of the first things I heard and have continually heard ever since is the collective "social" voice of the American Indian. This is truly a joke and Gipp, et al, must have attended the Rev. Jesse Jackson' Race Baiting 101 class at Al Sharpton University, graduating with honors. "

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