May 15, 2009
Board Votes to Abolish UND's Fighting Sioux Nickname
CHN Staff Report
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname, long a source of contention, will officially be eliminated as of Oct. 1, if the school's athletic department cannot secure the formal commitment from two Native American tribes.
The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education passed the measure unanimously, 8-0, saying, "In the event a new nickname and logo is adopted by UND, they shall not violate the NCAA policy regarding Native American nicknames, mascots and imagery."
In a nickname change is needed, it will also mean having to remove thousands of logos that were embedded into Ralph Engelstad Arena when it was built.
In order to keep the nickname, the school must do the following, according to the board:
1. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe and the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe give namesake approval consistent with the terms of the Settlement Agreement; and
2. The namesake approval be binding upon the tribes for a period not less than thirty (30) years.
"We are mindful that there is a nearly 80-year tradition with our nickname and related logos," University of North Dakota President Robert O. Kelley said in a letter. "I want to be clear that I believe our athletes and our athletic teams -- athletic directors, coaches and related staff -- have used the nickname and logo with great honor and respect, and with a tremendous sense of pride.
"Many alumni and fans have been staunch supporters of our athletic programs, and many have been proud of the nickname and logo. Among those was Ralph Engelstad, a former UND hockey goalie, who, with his wife, Betty, made many gifts to UND and built a magnificent arena that bears his name. We appreciate their legacy of generous support, which continues through The Engelstad Family Foundation and the management team of the Ralph Engelstad Arena.
"Now is the time for all of us-- no matter what our previous or current position -- to come together for the benefit of the University, for our students, and for our student athletes."
hockey12589May 15 2009, 11:24 am
Wouldn't the world of college athletics be better off if the greedy, self-serving, overbearing and overreaching NCAA were abolished instead of the Sioux logo?
Hockey_FanMay 31 2009, 12:55 am
i agree
DirkJun 11 2009, 12:53 am
What an absolute shame. These hypocrites continue to simply justify their overpaid positions with these type of actions. What a slap in the face of the great ND program. Get ready to root for the North Dakota Prairie Dogs!?
Comment on this Article
