A convicted sex offender with a long criminal history has been given another shot at getting rid of his Ojibwe name.

While incarcerated in Minnesota, Guy Israel Greene changed his name to Ozhaawaskoo Giishig. He said he was told by an Ojibwe medicine man that it was his "spirit name."

Under the new name, Ozhaawaskoo Giishig was convicted of more felonies. He then sought to change his name back to Guy Israel Greene, saying his Ojibwe name was restricted to ceremonial use.

A judge denied the request but the Minnesota Court of Appeals said there wasn't enough information to consider the name change in light of the offender's religious rights. The case was remanded for additional proceedings.

Ozhaawaskoo Giishig represented himself in court. His tribal heritage was not reported in the court opinion.

Get the Story:
Court sides with convicted sex offender in fight over name change (The St. Paul Pioneer Press 12/3)

Court Decision:
In the Matter of the Application of Ozhaawaskoo Giishig for a Change of Name (December 2, 2008)