Pioneer Press Interview

[siouxguyinstpaul]

"My biggest hobby probably is University of North Dakota hockey. I'm a big Fighting Sioux fan. I worked in the program back when I was going to school there. I follow that sport very, very closely. I'm very passionate about UND sports, particularly UND hockey."

"The nickname? I've worn down. As much as I love the tradition and the history, I understand both sides of it. It's probably time just to change the nickname and move on. I begrudgingly say that, but the traditions of UND hockey run a lot deeper than just the nickname."

[sagard]

... I begrudgingly say that, but the traditions of UND hockey run a lot deeper than just the nickname...

I've felt for a long time that it is the hockey program is special, not the nickname. But since it's not my issue or fight I typically leave it alone.

[siouxguyinstpaul]

I thought about leaving that second statement out of the post as it was my intention to show that the Twins president names following Sioux Hockey his main hobby - not really his thoughts on the name - but he said it so I included it.

[siouxnami]

"My biggest hobby probably is University of North Dakota hockey. I'm a big Fighting Sioux fan. I worked in the program back when I was going to school there. I follow that sport very, very closely. I'm very passionate about UND sports, particularly UND hockey."

"The nickname? I've worn down. As much as I love the tradition and the history, I understand both sides of it. It's probably time just to change the nickname and move on. I begrudgingly say that, but the traditions of UND hockey run a lot deeper than just the nickname."

I think many of us share Dave's thoughts...

[sagard]

I don't know if I can go along with that. I think the athletic programs are tied to the nickname. If the nickname were to change it would be like starting all over again. The best analgy I can come up with is the Washington Wizards NBA team. I don't consider the history of the Washington Bullets to be a part of the Wizards. The Wizards didn't start until after the demise of the Bullets. They're two different teams from the same city.

Nobody who was special before a nickname change comes out less special after the change. Stanford comes to my mind. Would anyone seriously consider refusing a baseball/basketball/football scholarship from them because they change their nickname from Indians to Cardinal? From what I hear their is a lot more to UND than a nickname. Sure the nickname is special, but what makes it special is UND Hockey not vice versa. That said those who are passionate about the nickname can fight it as long as they are willing.

[DamStrait]

"The nickname? I've worn down. As much as I love the tradition and the history, I understand both sides of it. It's probably time just to change the nickname and move on. I begrudgingly say that, but the traditions of UND hockey run a lot deeper than just the nickname."

I vehemently disagree. There is no "other side" to this argument, as they have not a single point that is valid. Despite this, the name will unfortunately almost certainly be changed, but it should not be understood as justice being served. It will be quite the opposite. It will be because the unchallenged specious arugments of a bullying minority of a minority will be allowed to carry the day.

[Sioux]

Nobody who was special before a nickname change comes out less special after the change. Stanford comes to my mind. Would anyone seriously consider refusing a baseball/basketball/football scholarship from them because they change their nickname from Indians to Cardinal? From what I hear their is a lot more to UND than a nickname. Sure the nickname is special, but what makes it special is UND Hockey not vice versa. That said those who are passionate about the nickname can fight it as long as they are willing.

it wouldnt be starting all over. it would only take a few years for things to settle in. other teams that are forgotten with name changes are forgotten because they suck ie washington wizards. und will have a strong program still.

[buckysieve]

I vehemently disagree. There is no "other side" to this argument, as they have not a single point that is valid. Despite this, the name will unfortunately almost certainly be changed, but it should not be understood as justice being served. It will be quite the opposite. It will be because the unchallenged specious arugments of a bullying minority of a minority will be allowed to carry the day.

So you're saying that native americans who oppose a school using them as mascots don't have a valid point? I used to be on UND's side when it came to changing the name but after years of hearing countless Sioux fans like yourself simply shrugging off the opinions of the very group of people you're offending by using them as mascots without their permission has made me change my mind. You don't have the right to use them as mascots when you won't even listen to what they have to say.

[Sioux_Hab-it]

So you're saying that native americans who oppose a school using them as mascots don't have a valid point? I used to be on UND's side when it came to changing the name but after years of hearing countless Sioux fans like yourself simply shrugging off the opinions of the very group of people you're offending by using them as mascots without their permission has made me change my mind. You don't have the right to use them as mascots when you won't even listen to what they have to say.

And here I have always had you pegged as a useless troll.

[AZSIOUX]

So you're saying that native americans who oppose a school using them as mascots don't have a valid point? I used to be on UND's side when it came to changing the name but after years of hearing countless Sioux fans like yourself simply shrugging off the opinions of the very group of people you're offending by using them as mascots without their permission has made me change my mind. You don't have the right to use them as mascots when you won't even listen to what they have to say.

wow, didnt know the sioux had a mascot. when they have a whiteboy skating around or riding a horse onto the field spearing the middle field then let me know, when did we get a mascot sieve?

[buckysieve]

And here I have always had you pegged as a useless troll.

To say there is no "other side" and that they "have not a single point that is valid" is closed minded IMO. It reinforces the notion that Sioux fans who are against the name change are being insensitive. I realize there are many Sioux fans who are sensitive to how the tribes feel but DamStrait doesn't seem to be one of them.

[AZSIOUX]

To say there is no "other side" and that they "have not a single point that is valid" is closed minded IMO. It reinforces the notion that Sioux fans who are against the name change are being insensitive. I realize there are many Sioux fans who are sensitive to how the tribes feel but DamStrait doesn't seem to be one of them.

while you are around roaming ss, congrats on your 1 game win streak sieve! im sure the boys are ready to build off that mount rushmore acomplishment. 2 games is good and 3 actually makes a winning streak

[RexBanner]

To say there is no "other side" and that they "have not a single point that is valid" is closed minded IMO. It reinforces the notion that Sioux fans who are against the name change are being insensitive. I realize there are many Sioux fans who are sensitive to how the tribes feel but DamStrait doesn't seem to be one of them.

It's pretty arrogant to not even consider that there are two sides to the debate. That attitude does not win support from the opposition.

[franchise]

Anyone that doesn't think the Sioux and the fans do the name proud should be shown video of the reaction to the announcement that Woody Keeble is going to get his medal.

[The Sicatoka]

You bet there are two sides to this.

Folks who want to keep the name have thought through the impacts, effects, and outcomes. You hear questions like "new moniker", "who's paying the costs", "what will the long-term impact be", "how will this affect various UND programs", and "what will tribal relations be like afterwards".

Now, can you tell me the same has been done from the other side? I'd argue no. They're playing the end game as being a different name and logo on a jersey. If they believe that's their end game they're sadly mistaken.

Rightly or wrongly, this decision by the tribes will affect how Native Peoples will be received everywhere in the state, not just at UND, but in Bismarck at the Legislature.

Imagine a national news story of how Standing Rock would not have open dialog with the State of North Dakota. Or imagine one about how Standing Rock Tribal Council would not let their own Native People's voices be heard via a democratic vote. Either of those will do far more damage to American Indians than any fan in a jersey cheering for (or against) a team called "Sioux". Americans still do like open dialog and a sense of democracy. Show them otherwise and you do damage to who you (say you) are.

A "no" outcome resulting from a free and open dialog amongst and from the Native Peoples will be amenable to many folks (me included) who are "fatigued" or "worn down" of the issue.

But if the tribes give even the remotest perception of a lack of representation of the will of their People, if the tribal governments act more like dictators over the People than their ambassadors and envoys, if it's only about the will and ego of a select few on a tribal council, how can anyone anywhere expect to work in good faith any Native Government in the future.

You bet there are two sides, and the sides are neighbors.

We're learning how our neighbors operate both inside and outside their house.

We're watching. And it's not just a logo or name we're watching.

I treat my neighbors as they treat me and others.

They'll show me how to behave.

I'll gladly oblige.

[sIoUxPeRsTiTiOuS]

Ok, this is bothering me. I'll take my verbal abuse from all the hockey "die-hards" on this one.

The Fighting Sioux nickname is not special because of UND hockey. That is so simple-minded. I realize that St. Peter said he is a passionate UND hockey fan, as well as other athletics, but specifically hockey. That is beside the point. I really despise some of the 'holier than thou' hockey attitudes on this forum. Anybody who thinks that it is all about hockey is fanatical, disenchanted and delusional. What about the other sports on campus, both men and women? What about the academic departments on campus that set UND apart from other college campuses across the nation? Undergrad, masters and doctoral programs? Research programs? What about the hard-working "midwesterner" core values that UND graduates learn while on campus that employers find extremely valuable when searching for future employees for their respective companies? What about the successful leaders of the past administrations that have made UND what it is today? How about the UND graduates of the business world, both locally and nationwide (St. Peter being one of them)? What would Grand Forks be today without UND? It's the pride of Grand Forks, and the pride of the state of North Dakota - the flagship institution of the state. It's about all those things and more that make the Fighting Sioux name so important and special to most people. How about the SIOUX-bison rivalry in all sports, with the exception of hockey? It's the history and the pride of the University of North Dakota from many years past that make the name what it is today.

I also agree that there are indeed two sides to the argument, and that people should respect that. I think the name is held in a respectable manner. Others see it differently. Do I agree with them? No. But that's their view on a very controversial topic. The name is special because of so many different reasons. There is no doubt in my mind that hockey is one of those important reasons as well. I love watching hockey at the REA and I am a fan myself. To think that the passion related to the Fighting Sioux nickname is mostly because of hockey is ludicrous. The name is much bigger than hockey itself.

Sorry, everyone. Rip away.

[BIGSIOUX]

Ok, this is bothering me. I'll take my verbal abuse from all the hockey "die-hards" on this one.

The Fighting Sioux nickname is not special because of UND hockey. That is so simple-minded. I realize that St. Peter said he is a passionate UND hockey fan, as well as other athletics, but specifically hockey. That is beside the point. I really despise some of the 'holier than thou' hockey attitudes on this forum. Anybody who thinks that it is all about hockey is fanatical, disenchanted and delusional. What about the other sports on campus, both men and women? What about the academic departments on campus that set UND apart from other college campuses across the nation? Undergrad, masters and doctoral programs? Research programs? What about the hard-working "midwesterner" core values that UND graduates learn while on campus that employers find extremely valuable when searching for future employees for their respective companies? What about the successful leaders of the past administrations that have made UND what it is today? How about the UND graduates of the business world, both locally and nationwide (St. Peter being one of them)? What would Grand Forks be today without UND? It's the pride of Grand Forks, and the pride of the state of North Dakota - the flagship institution of the state. It's about all those things and more that make the Fighting Sioux name so important and special to most people. How about the SIOUX-bison rivalry in all sports, with the exception of hockey? It's the history and the pride of the University of North Dakota from many years past that make the name what it is today.

Agreed Completely.

[UNDvince97-01]

Ok, this is bothering me. I'll take my verbal abuse from all the hockey "die-hards" on this one.

The Fighting Sioux nickname is not special because of UND hockey. That is so simple-minded. I realize that St. Peter said he is a passionate UND hockey fan, as well as other athletics, but specifically hockey. That is beside the point. I really despise some of the 'holier than thou' hockey attitudes on this forum. Anybody who thinks that it is all about hockey is fanatical, disenchanted and delusional. What about the other sports on campus, both men and women? What about the academic departments on campus that set UND apart from other college campuses across the nation? Undergrad, masters and doctoral programs? Research programs? What about the hard-working "midwesterner" core values that UND graduates learn while on campus that employers find extremely valuable when searching for future employees for their respective companies? What about the successful leaders of the past administrations that have made UND what it is today? How about the UND graduates of the business world, both locally and nationwide (St. Peter being one of them)? What would Grand Forks be today without UND? It's the pride of Grand Forks, and the pride of the state of North Dakota - the flagship institution of the state. It's about all those things and more that make the Fighting Sioux name so important and special to most people. How about the SIOUX-bison rivalry in all sports, with the exception of hockey? It's the history and the pride of the University of North Dakota from many years past that make the name what it is today.

I also agree that there are indeed two sides to the argument, and that people should respect that. I think the name is held in a respectable manner. Others see it differently. Do I agree with them? No. But that's their view on a very controversial topic. The name is special because of so many different reasons. There is no doubt in my mind that hockey is one of those important reasons as well. I love watching hockey at the REA and I am a fan myself. To think that the passion related to the Fighting Sioux nickname is mostly because of hockey is ludicrous. The name is much bigger than hockey itself.

Sorry, everyone. Rip away.

Bravo

[RedFrog]

I live and work in Devils Lake. I worked 7+ years at Dakota Sioux Casino then Spirit Lake Casino and have worked for 6 years at the Lake Region Correctional Facility. I have many friends that live on the Spirit Lake reservation. I have yet to speak to 1 Native American that objects to the use of the Fighting Sioux nickname by UND. When(if) Pearson allows the tribal members to vote on whether or not to support the name, it will be supported emphatically.

Having had my own run-in with the Spirit Lake tribal council over 6 years ago, it does not surprise me that they have chosen, themselves, to object to the use of the name. They view this whole situation as an opportunity to bring attention to themselves. They are getting sympathy from an established nationally recognized organization(NCAA). They are going to get everything they can out of this media monster before conceding and supporting the use of the nickname. They have too much to lose in the long run by not having a positive relationship with UND and the North Dakota college system as a whole, and they know it.

*The above are my opinions and are devised by the experiences I have had in dealing with the Spirit Lake Sioux tribal council.

[Goon]

To say there is no "other side" and that they "have not a single point that is valid" is closed minded IMO. It reinforces the notion that Sioux fans who are against the name change are being insensitive. I realize there are many Sioux fans who are sensitive to how the tribes feel but DamStrait doesn't seem to be one of them.

Hence the re-inforcement of Sioux_Hab-it's comment.

[siouxguyinstpaul]

I live and work in Devils Lake. I worked 7+ years at Dakota Sioux Casino then Spirit Lake Casino and have worked for 6 years at the Lake Region Correctional Facility. I have many friends that live on the Spirit Lake reservation. I have yet to speak to 1 Native American that objects to the use of the Fighting Sioux nickname by UND. When(if) Pearson allows the tribal members to vote on whether or not to support the name, it will be supported emphatically.

Having had my own run-in with the Spirit Lake tribal council over 6 years ago, it does not surprise me that they have chosen, themselves, to object to the use of the name. They view this whole situation as an opportunity to bring attention to themselves. They are getting sympathy from an established nationally recognized organization(NCAA). They are going to get everything they can out of this media monster before conceding and supporting the use of the nickname. They have too much to lose in the long run by not having a positive relationship with UND and the North Dakota college system as a whole, and they know it.

*The above are my opinions and are devised by the experiences I have had in dealing with the Spirit Lake Sioux tribal council.

This is the way that I understand the situation as well. Although - the council may follow through just because they can.

[LennonIsTheMan]

Anybody who thinks that it is all about hockey is fanatical, disenchanted and delusional. What about the other sports on campus, both men and women? What about the academic departments on campus that set UND apart from other college campuses across the nation? Undergrad, masters and doctoral programs? Research programs? What about the hard-working "midwesterner" core values that UND graduates learn while on campus that employers find extremely valuable when searching for future employees for their respective companies? What about the successful leaders of the past administrations that have made UND what it is today? How about the UND graduates of the business world, both locally and nationwide (St. Peter being one of them)? What would Grand Forks be today without UND? It's the pride of Grand Forks, and the pride of the state of North Dakota - the flagship institution of the state. It's about all those things and more that make the Fighting Sioux name so important and special to most people. How about the SIOUX-bison rivalry in all sports, with the exception of hockey? It's the history and the pride of the University of North Dakota from many years past that make the name what it is today.

I agree 100%. Well stated.

[BobIwabuchiFan]

If the nickname goes, what incentive is there to cater to Native Americans in North Dakota? The harsh reality is that there are many other special needs groups that will take up the vacuum in ND and the end result will be a negative one for the tribes and not the university. Lastly, if we could not be given the benefit of doubt from the Tribal Councils, then it is my opinion they should have no say in the future nickname...and yes, it will not have a tribal or native american connotation.

BobIwabuchiFan

[RexBanner]

If the nickname goes, what incentive is there to cater to Native Americans in North Dakota? The harsh reality is that there are many other special needs groups that will take up the vacuum in ND and the end result will be a negative one for the tribes and not the university. Lastly, if we could not be given the benefit of doubt from the Tribal Councils, then it is my opinion they should have no say in the future nickname...and yes, it will not have a tribal or native american connotation.

BobIwabuchiFan

So, if the University doesn't get its way, it is going to be the Native Americans who suffer? What, is the state going to ignore them because they disagreed with the name?

[squirtcoach]

So, if the University doesn't get its way, it is going to be the Native Americans who suffer? What, is the state going to ignore them because they disagreed with the name?

And you don't think the state (other than UND) ignores them now??? WHAT turnip truck did you just fall off??? Spend some time at Standing Rock, or at least read "Bury My Heart...."

JEEZUZ, I've never called another poster here an idiot, but, but but.. you are a fu "click"