North Dakota Fighting Sioux Nickname

ControversyRyan Cousineau

The Parties InvolvedNCAAUniversity of North DakotaSpirit Lake Sioux tribeStanding Rock Sioux tribe

The IssueNCAA claims that the ‘Fighting Sioux” nickname is hostile and abusive If UND doesn’t retire their name, Academic and Athletic teams will sufferGaining permission from both tribes is the only way to save the name

NCAA StanceUnless both tribes agree to keep the name, it must be droppedThe NCAA is not singling out UND

UND StanceThe school is split between wanting the name to stay and wanting the name to be retiredAlumni and Administration want the name keptMostly Native American students want it changed

The Sioux TribesBoth tribes must come to a clear decision The Spirit Lake tribe fully supports UND using the nameThe Standing Rock tribal council decided to not support the use of the nickname in 2010

Keeping the NameFinancially, a name change could cost owners millions of dollars“It’s like trying to abolish Native Americans” – Frank Black Cloud (Spirit Lake tribe)“Honor, respect, tradition, culture, and pride, how can those values be considered hostile and abusive?” (Baxter, Blake)North Dakota tried to pass a law to help keep the name

Retiring the NameNative American students attending UND often experience racial harassment“When you’re right in the middle of it, you’ll see that’s not they way it is. It causes a rift between native people.” (Lavigne)The nickname can be more distracting than productive

MediationAll four parties need to collaborateNo clear right or wrong answerThe two Sioux tribes can’t be relied on by themselves

Final ThoughtsIf UND discusses the issue with the two Sioux tribes, the NCAA doesn’t need to be involved in the discussionNCAA would need to help pay for name change expenses

Citations“UND OK to drop Fighting Sioux name” ESPN GO Associated Press June 14, 2012. Web. April 9, 2013 Gunderson, Dan. “UND Fighting Sioux nickname battle refuses to die.” MPRnews.org Minnesota Public Radio, February 20, 2012. Web. April 9, 2013 Baxter, Blake “Is ‘The Fighting Sioux’ Offensive? NCAA says yes, Sioux tribe says no” The College Fix. Eureka College, March 13, 2012. Web. April 9, 2013Lavigne, Paula “A team-name fight like no other” ESPN GO ESPN.com March 7, 2012. Web. April 9, 2013MacPherson, James. Kolpack, Dave. “Fighting Sioux Name Controversy: Tribe Quiet as North Dakota voters scrap name” Huffington Post Huffingtonpost.com June 14, 2012. Web. April 9, 2013