Standing Rock leader to ask about Sioux nickname vote
The head of the Standing Rock Sioux says he'll introduce a resolution for a referendum gauging support of the University of North Dakota's use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.
Tribal chairman Charles Murphy says he'll present the resolution to the tribal council on Wednesday, pending certification of more than 1,000 signatures on a petition calling for a vote.
The state Board of Higher Education has decided to retire the nickname, which the NCAA and others find offensive. However, board President Richie Smith said the issue might be revisited if the Standing Rock tribe votes in favor of the nickname in a timely manner.
Members of the other Sioux tribe in North Dakota, the Spirit Lake Nation, last year voted to endorse the nickname's continued use.
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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