The Montana Supreme Court last week dismissed a lawsuit that challenged a public school's use of Indian nicknames and imagery.

In a unanimous decision, the court said Francine Dupuis, a member of the Indian Education Parent Committee in the Ronan school district, should file her challenge with the Montana Human Rights Commission. After she exhausts her administrative remedies, she can take the dispute to court, the justices said.

'We emphasize that our resolution of this case on procedural grounds should not be interpreted as reflecting our view as to whether the district's use of 'Chiefs' and 'Maidens' is degrading and offensive to Native Americans,'' Justice Brian Morris wrote for the majority.

The Ronan school district is located on the Flathead Reservation.

Get the Story:
High court sends Indian nickname dispute to rights commission (AP 1/10)

Opinion, Case Documents:
Dupuis v. Ronan School District (January 4, 2006)