Great letter and post on this topic.
As a white man who was born and raised in an urban environment, I can honestly and truthfully say that I am proud to be associated with the Sioux name through my affiliation with the University. To me, the name "Sioux" conjures up an image of a proud and strong people carving a life out of the land that has little to offer at first glance. In my eyes, I have nothing but respect for the Sioux (or Lakota if they prefer) people.
Just my 2 cents.