The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe does not support the "Fighting Sioux" nickname of the University of North Dakota, chairman Ron His Horse Is Thunder has told the NCAA.

But UND President Charles Kupchella is claiming that the tribe backs the use of the controversial nickname and logo. He cited a letter from a tribal council member who said tribal members recently voted in favor of the "Fighting Sioux."

But the full council hasn't approved the name and another council member disputed the nature of the votes that were held. Jesse Taken Alive said the votes weren't formal and weren't about the nickname at all.

Kupchella also says the Spirit Lake Sioux Nation supports the name. UND needs tribal backing in order to continue using the name and logo during post-season NCAA tournaments. The NCAA has deemed "Sioux" to be demeaning to Native Americans.

Get the Story:
Total nickname support? (The Grand Forks Herald 4/28)
Letters reignite UND nickname debate (The Fargo Forum 4/28)
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North Dakota: Sioux tribes support nickname (AP 4/28)

NCAA Staff Decision on Fighting Sioux:
Statement by NCAA Senior Vice-President for Governance and Membership Bernard Franklin on University of North Dakota Review(September 28, 2005)

NCAA Policy on Indian Mascots:
NCAA Executive Committee Issues Guidelines for Use of Native American Mascots at Championship Events (August 5, 2005)

Relevant Links:
University of North Dakota - http://www.und.edu
The Ralph - http://www.theralph.com
Fighting Sioux - http://www.fightingsioux.com
NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee - http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/
membership/governance/assoc-wide/moic/index.html
National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media - http://www.aimovement.org/ncrsm

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