Author rejects honorary degree from 'Fighting Sioux'

Friday, April 20, 2007  

Ojibwe author Louise Erdrich has rejected an honorary degree from the University of North Dakota because the school continues to use the "Fighting Sioux" logo and nickname.

Erdrich is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota. She grew up there and has family members who went to UND but says she can't accept the degree.

"I hate to do something like this," the author told The Minneapolis Star Tribune. "It goes against my grain. But I do feel strongly about this symbol."

The school is suing the NCAA to be able to keep using the logo and nickname, which Sioux tribes have not endorsed.

Get the Story:
Author Erdrich rejects UND honors over 'Fighting Sioux' nickname (The Minneapoils Star Tribune 4/20)
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Judge: Legal fees ‘out of control’ (The Grand Forks Herald 4/20)
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Relevant Links:
University of North Dakota - http://www.und.edu
The Ralph - http://www.theralph.com
Fighting Sioux - http://www.fightingsioux.com

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Opinion: 'Sioux' lawsuit could hurt North Dakota (6/19)
UND to file lawsuit over 'Fighting Sioux' name (6/16)
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'Sioux' and 'Chief' denied again by NCAA (5/1)
Letters: Controversy over 'Fighting Sioux' name (5/1)
Standing Rock chairman disputes UND on 'Sioux' (4/28)
Opinion: Native students at UND subject to racism (04/12)