Supporter of UND's 'Fighting Sioux' nickname to try again

A supporter of the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation says he will try again to get the Tribal Council's backing.

Archie Fool Bear says he will ask council members to approve his resolution supporting UND's nickname and Indian head logo when they meet Tuesday morning. He says scheduling and lack of a quorum last Thursday kept the council from considering his request.

Some believe UND's nickname and logo are offensive. The school plans to retire them on Aug. 1, 2010, unless the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Sioux tribes agree by Oct. 1 to give UND permission to use them for at least 30 years.

The Standing Rock Tribal Council has not only opposed the nickname, it also voted to ban a referendum on support last year.

Fool Bear wants the council to recognize a pipe ceremony that he says took place 40 years ago in which tribal leaders gave their blessing to UND to use the name.

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