http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2011/11/01/Tribe-sues-NCAA-to-let-school-use-name/UPI-64071320174769/
The Spirit Lake tribe of Sioux are challenging the NCAA in court regarding the use of the name "Fighting Sioux" by University of North Dakota. Specifically, NCAA's policy banning the use of Native American names and imagery by collegiate athletic teams as the Sioux Tribes feel honored by the "Fighting Sioux" name.
In 1969 the North Dakota Sioux tribal leaders granted "perpetual use" of the name to the school through a Native American religious ceremony.
There are a number of college and professional teams named after various peoples. Some that come to mind are the Fighting Irish, Spartans, Vikings, Seminoles, Aztecs, Celtics, Blackhawks, Orangemen (now Orange), Trojans and Yankees.
Currently the NCAA is banning any post-season games to be held at UND and encouraging other universities to boycott playing UND teams.
Given the history with the UND the North Dakota Sioux tribes are suing based on violation of their Native American civil rights, equal protection rights, and religious rights.In summary I think it is good the NCAA has been active in addressing stereotypes of Native Americans however, the NCAA needs to examine their "no tolerance policy" and include input from the peoples who are being represented by the University.
Thanks for the interesting post and for providing "the rest of the story" if you will. As someone born in North Dakota, and with a lot of family in that part of the country it has been interesting to watch this play out over a long time. Recent articles in the Chronicle and elsewhere discussing the role that the legislature has played in this debate have been interesting given that perspective. I am curious where this one will go and how the NCAA will look at these situations in the future.
ReplyDeleteCliff, thanks for your post. I've always been challenged by athletic teams who use ethnic identities as their mascot/name. It particularly bothers me when it comes to collegiate sports teams. I feel like, as institutions of higher education, we should "know better."
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that Sioux tribe leaders had actually participated in a ceremony that granted UND the use of the Sioux name. Ann, I do agree with you that it is ironic that the name is French. However, whether or not the native people that identify with the name claim it or not, I believe it should be their right to decide how it is used given that whether or not they own it, they are still associated with it.
This is another good example of how social injustice permeates our society in ways that we may not expect.
OH boy, do I have a ton to say about this, Cliff!
ReplyDeleteI'm from Thief River Falls, MN--an hour's drive from the UND campus. This struggle has been going on for YEARS between the native Sioux tribes, UND, and the NCAA.
My biggest issue with the fight itself--the university is representing this symbol and name as a source of PRIDE and RESPECT. I've been to that campus multiple times, and there isn't a disrespectful symbol or act in sight (unless of course, you go drive south an hour to their ultimate rivals--NDSU). I agree with your examples as well. We don't have any angry citizens from an Irish culture wanting to bulldoze Notre Dame's campus, do we?
Another fact that many don't know about concerns one particular alumni booster. Ralph Engelstad was from my home town. He played hockey for UND, became a very successful businessman, and donated over 10 million dollars to the "Ralph Engelstad arena" prior to his death, where the UND hockey team plays. Mr. Engelstad was still alive and well when the first "Fighting Sioux" debates hit the public eye. As a big supporter of the name as it stands (and as he wore it), Mr. Engelstad CARVED the fighting Sioux logo and name into marble floors, walls, and fixtures within the entire arena. Removal of this symbol will cost the university millions of dollars, and is completely unnecessary!
I better stop now :) As if my opinion isn't obvious, GO FIGHTING SIOUX!!