Opinion

Letter: Retiring 'Fighting Sioux' won't help relations

Monday, March 17, 2008

"I am tired of political correctness. I am tired of the hoopla about the University of North Dakota's logo, "the Fighting Sioux." The Sioux were a powerful nation of warriors. That should be a matter of pride and honor. The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes banded together at Like-a-Fishhook village to protect themselves from the Sioux. That was the political and military situation at the time.

If we Anglos were really serious about improving relations with the American Indian people in our community, the city commission would fund a staff person to provide the human rights committee with some power to answer discrimination charges. If we really were serious, there would be opportunities for dialogue between the Indian community (which is extremely varied) and the power structure of Bismarck.

To retire the UNDFighting Sioux logo would be nothing more than a sop to make Anglos feel as if we were doing something to improve our dismal record toward reconciliation."

Get the Story:
Mary Engel: Retiring UND logo no answer (The Bismarck Tribune 3/16)

Relevant Links:
University of North Dakota - http://www.und.edu
The Ralph - http://www.theralph.com
Fighting Sioux - http://www.fightingsioux.com