Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Arena effort to solve nickname dispute draws fire

Arena effort to solve nickname dispute draws fire

Aug 20, 2007 - 04:03:25 CDT

GRAND FORKS (AP) - Ralph Engelstad Arena officials say they are seeking a diplomatic end to the University of North Dakota "Fighting Sioux" nickname dispute, but American Indian leaders say the arena's approach has lacked diplomacy.

The arena on the UND campus, which is managed by an independent board, early this summer hired Cheyenne River Sioux member Sam Dupris, of Minneapolis, to meet with Sioux officials in North Dakota.

Arena general manager Jody Hodgson said the goal of Dupris' visits was for arena officials to gain a better understanding of tribal leaders' opinions about the Sioux nickname, not to pressure those leaders to throw their support behind the nickname.

However, Spirit Lake Nation Chairwoman Myra Pearson said that when she met with Dupris on July 18, he encouraged her to rethink the Tribal Council's 2000 resolution concerning the Sioux nickname and asked her to advocate for the nickname with Standing Rock Sioux officials.

The NCAA considers UND's nickname "hostile and abusive" to American Indians and has said UND may not host postseason tournaments or use the nickname as a tournament participant. UND has sued the NCAA.

Some schools around the country that faced similar NCAA sanctions have received a waiver from the association, usually by gaining the support of a nearby namesake Indian tribe.

UND has touted the Spirit Lake resolution as evidence of the same kind of namesake tribe support that won NCAA waivers for the Florida State University Seminoles and the Central Michigan University Chippewas. The resolution states "as long as something positive comes from this controversy, (the tribe is) not opposed to keeping the Sioux name and present logo at UND."

The NCAA has called the resolution insufficient evidence of approval without clarification from the tribe. Spirit Lake officials have not responded to NCAA requests for clarification.

Pearson said she reads the 2000 resolution as neither supporting nor opposing the nickname. She said she does not plan to respond to the NCAA's requests and does not expect the Tribal Council to take up the nickname issue again.

"I feel like there's nothing more to say," Pearson said. "I told (Dupris) it's not a priority for me. There are more important issues to deal with."

David Gipp, president of United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, said that in a July 19 meeting, Dupris suggested that Pearson was willing to reconsider Spirit Lake's position on the nickname. Gipp said he later called Pearson and found out the suggestion was incorrect.

Hodgson said he would not comment on the conversation between Dupris and Pearson because he was not present when it occurred. Dupris did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment. Hodgson said Dupris did not wish to comment publicly on his role with the arena.

Hodgson described Dupris' effort as being a diplomatic one.

"We're opening up the lines of communication that were closed by the lawsuit," Hodgson said. "The legal front continues, but this is a parallel track."

News > Local

Printer friendly version Arena effort to solve nickname dispute draws fire

Comments

proud parent wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:34 PM:

" My son is mixed blood from two tribes in north dakota he plans to attend the UND and he never said once he didnt agree he wears the UND clothing. I AM GONNA BE A PROUD PARENT ONE DAY. when he graduates from here when people protest it is stupid there is native americans going to college there. doing what is best get an education something to be proud of why fight over the name ongoing.x "

sr resident wrote on Aug 20, 2007 4:15 PM:

" Yes, there are people that believe there is no honor in being a mascot. I am one. Can anyone remember the T shirt issue between two Bismarck schools. I believe an angel was hanging from the halo off the demon's pitch fork. T shirts were confinscated, apologies went out, the issue was even in the local paper. Native Americans are "People." No one should be used for fun and games. But the great state of north dakota, from the ag's office, governor's office, both state and house rep's, board of higher ed, on down think that it is OK!!! Yes, it is 2007 and the issue is Respect, not political correctness. "

Sioux Forever wrote on Aug 20, 2007 2:11 PM:

" Once again, it's tribal "leaders" that keep being mentioned. If these "leaders" actually represented the people they "lead" this would be a dead issue. Most Sioux people approve of, or are even proud of the name. But, just like in mainstream politics, the "leaders" follow their own agenda or that of their party or of a special interest rather than follow the wishes of the people they're supposed to represent. I have yet to meet anyone who is opposed to the name and logo who isn't a lily white do-gooder. Every Sioux person (or any other tribal member for that matter) I've spoken to is proud to have the name and logo associated with the University. "

crazy wrote on Aug 20, 2007 1:24 PM:

" Can we keep the logo and change the spelling to "Go Sue". I am sure the lawyers won't care. "

Issues facing our Native Americans wrote on Aug 20, 2007 12:52 PM:

" I agree with you Squeeky, there are way more important issues facing our Native Americans than the UND nickname issue. Why can't those complaining put their efforts into those issues such as healthcare on the reservations. If it was so offensive why wasn't it brought up years ago. There are other college, professional and high schools using Indian names - do we have to change them too? If so, then maybe "All" Indian names be changed so as to be "politically" correct to everyone. Isn't North "Dakota" an Indian name? Of course you don't hear the Irish screaming and complaining when it comes to the "Fighting Irish". Get over it - the funds spent on this issue could have help in other more important areas! "

PO3 wrote on Aug 20, 2007 12:36 PM:

" My family has sioux blood and not one has ever said that the logo or nickname has offended them. Matter of fact some of them have gone to school and graduated from UND and wear the logo's on their car's and on their jackets. Political correctness has gone out of control on many issues and this is one of those issues. "

Amanda wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:29 AM:

" There are plenty of high school teams around the country that use "Indian" names as mascots. Are they going to force them to change their names? Find something else to fight about and leave UND's name alone!! There are other college level teams out there with Indian names and they aren't in a battle over it! "

SE Forty wrote on Aug 20, 2007 10:55 AM:

" Hey Sam the transformation must be complete huh? "

Squeeky wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:55 AM:

" Ms. Pearson's comment says it all -- she has other MUCH MORE IMPORTANT issues to deal with. The "issue" of the UND nickname is not a life-shaking, earth-shattering issue. Seems to me, there are a lot more important native issues that should get priority over this one. The nickname was not intended to offend -- but then you will always find someone, someplace, with some chip on their shoulder who is going to be offended by anything and everything. Too bad it's the squeakiest wheels that get the grease! "

Typical wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:12 AM:

" People who want something changed and won't communicate w/ others to have a change made. "I have other priorities" Pearson says... All she wants to do is sit back and let someone else do it so she can complain when something is done without her imput so she can cry "racism" or try to take credit for sitting on her duff. All, native people should express a comment for or against the name change. Call UND the "Coyotees" or the "Squirrels", whatever it takes to be politicaly correct, as we don't want to affend our Native Americans in our state. "

Post Your Own Comment

All online comments are limited to 350 words total.
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.
We value and respect your privacy, but The Bismarck Tribune might
disclose certain information to governmental entities if served with subpoena.