I first joked about the name Dakotans, partly because I didn't think it would pass muster with the NCAA, but I think 82SiouxGuy is right. Also, it wouldn't be Dakota, it would be Dakotans, as in the state not the tribe.
Dakotans would also tie the past with the present per my earlier post. With yesterdays announcement that most of the imagery will be allowed to stay at the Ralph and Betty, all the more reason to tie the new moniker in with the old one. I think Dakotans would do that.
With UND being the only school in the Big Sky and the only Dakota school playing hockey, it would identify UND as the school of the Dakotas.
To add to that, if you look back with more historical perspective,Dakota Territory took in a large part of Montana.
If Dakotans is found to be too bland, an adjective could be added, Fighting Dakotans or Mighty Dakotans. I kind of like just Dakotans.
One of the metrics that I have used in the quest for a new nickname, is how easy is it to alter for jokes. Norse...Nurses and Roughriders would be a constant joke, due to the condoms. Although North Dakota Dakotans is somewhat redundant, it isn't easy to be made sport of.
I think there are a lot of opportunities for logos. The Nokota horse could be used. An old west type cowboy..
Putting DAKOTANS on the front of a jersey, would claim the territory for North Dakota.