[Standing Rock/Spirit Lake]

I am just so terribly disappointed that the tribes don't take advantage of the current situation to a) use it as an economic advantage to further education on the reservation and at UND for the NA students, and b) to use it as an educational opportunity for non-NA's.

On the economic front, a working relationship could be developed with UND that provides funds from the use of the Fighting Sioux name through licensing/merchandise sales. The funds could be used to improve educational opportunities on the reservation and/or provide scholarship opportunities to NA students in college. Low self-esteem, poor economic situations, etc. can all be improved with education, support programs, etc. And I am not talking handouts here.

On the non-NA education front, how appropriate it be to have a Sioux heritage museum as part of The Ralph complex. This would provide historical perspective and education on tribal history, customs, traditions, etc. and could be tied into the UND History Dept. and the NA center on campus. Many people tour The Ralph and such a facility would be a natural fit. What a way to provide context and honor to the tribes and the use of the Fighting Sioux name. It would sure help to offset the Hollywood stereotype of Native Americans.

The tribe could also use the working relationship to help guide usage of the name and logo and eliminate current improper uses (such as Sioux-per Dogs).

Certainly some would see this as buying out the tribes and I believe that is a serious mistake. I don't know that much about the Florida Seminole situation, but having a white guy ride out on a horse to throw a spear doesn't do it for me. I view that as disrespect. I don't know that I would like it even if it was a tribal member. To me that is a buyout situation, but I don't know what the tribe is using the funds for. I am a native North Dakotan who has now lived in MN for more than half my life (I am 56), but I am and always will be North Dakotan and proud of it. I view the NA heritage as a significant part of North Dakota history. To me this is a grand opportunity to improve relations, understanding, and education as well as bring increased respect to the Fighting Sioux tradition.

At UAA in Anchorage they have an excellent program targeted at the native tribes to help provide education and support, and retain the students through graduation. The program is targeted at areas where Alaska can use the most personnel, such as the oil industry, natural resources, etc. Alaska has had a real problem getting people that move to Alaska to stay. They tend to leave after a short period of time because they cannot adjust. Educating the local native tribes benefits all. It is a tremendous program, and UND attended a seminar last October in Anchorage on this program. Watch for some possible developments at UND on this front.

Just my two cents worth.

You are exactly right but why can't it come from the UND end? I worked at the tribal college in Fort Totten for many years and UND presence there was scant. Many from the SLT have earned degrees from Mayville via distance learning, NDSU does a summer science camp and sunday science academy at CCCC, Minot State sends a person 4 times a year to CCCC to recruit. UND's efforts are meager compared to these other schools.

[Awesome Letter]

Hmm. I wonder why Ron His Horse Is Thunder is so afraid of putting it to a vote then. I wonder why one person wrote in to the GF Herald expressing opposition to a vote on the Spirt Lake Reservation after Myra announced that it could go to a tribal-wide vote. I respect the heck out of Myra because she's willing to let the tribal members express their opinions collectively, even though she's against the nickname. She does not subscribe to Star Chamber Democracy like RHHT. If you're so confident about tribal opposition you probably would not mind a vote to validate your position would you?

It's not up to Myra or RHHT to vote. If the PEOPLE want to put it to a vote, it would happen. Let me tell you if it were put to a vote today it wouldn't pass on Spirit Lake. I've been talking to alot of family and freinds about this issue and most really didn't have an opinion until I expressed my point of veiw and my experiences in GF when I was going to school at UND. Take my word as someone who has lived on Spirit Lake all of my life: IT WILL NOT PASS!!

[Another One Bites the Dust]

You know whats interesting about Arkansas State changing their nickname is the fact that the new president who initiated the change happens to be one Dr. Robert Potts, who was the former chancellor of the NDUS. Dr. Potts' resignation from that position was sudden and rather mysterious to me. Hmm, you think it had anything to do with his position on nicknames? I think it so. GO DR. POTTS!!

[Awesome Letter]

I'm afraid you are exactly right

It's one opinion by a mamber of the Standing Rock tribe. Let me tell you there is a difference between that tribe and the Spirit Lake tribe. There are alot more people from the SLT who go to UND or are alumni than there are from the SRT. That makes a big difference because more SLT members have experienced the prejudice/ignorance about this issue than SRT members have. Obviously, any letter or support from a "sioux" is going to be awesome, and my point of veiw will be regarded as BS.

[Standing Rock/Spirit Lake]

This only serves to validate my contention that it's really a waste of time to deal with these tribes, and the settlement was nothing more than a complete surrender. Retire the name on our own terms, forget the tribes, and move on. Let's quit deluding ourselves that these people will be reasonable at any time. F**k 'em

Scottm and goon, you people are exactly why the nickname needs to be changed. I am a member of the Spirit Lake tribe and also an alumni of UND. When I was at UND there were numerous times I was called derogatory names and discriminated against. Back then I just shrugged those things off and even kicked some a$$ a couple of times. Now when I hear that the conditions are still the same, I feel the only way we can fight back is to force UND to change the name and know that it absolutely kills guys like you 2. You know, we NA's have been getting the shaft from you caucasions since 1492 and if this is one little battle we can win then count me in!

[Another One Bites the Dust]

If they chose to use the name that is their right. You just made the point for me. If the Native Americans wish to use the names of either Indians, Warriors, or whatever that is their right becaue it is who they are or were. Where as since you are not members of the Lakota or Dakota Nations then you do not have the right to use their name because it does not belong to you. You people are members of the Fighting Sioux Tribe which is not a recognized tribe by the Federal Government. I do not see you tribe at the Pow Wow this week. My error for equating people here with midgets. I put down the midgets who are on a higher evolutionary scale then you people. At least they have cognitive abilities. It is normal for people like you to put what they do not wish to hear on ignore. Head up the as& is easier to deal with than reality. When cherished values are threatened find a scapegoat to blame.

If we as Native Americans can't call ourselves warriors, indians, etc, than what can we call ourselves? We are not Fighting Irish, Trojans or Spartans. To me its simple, we established our school and we are NA's so we can use those names. No NA's were involved in the establishment of UND so you shouldn't be using the nickname.