"I am writing to clarify any misperception that may have been created in a recent story regarding the committee which is being formed by Higher Education Chancellor Bill Goetz to address the Fighting Sioux Logo.

The story indicated that I did not want a representative from my office on the committee. That is not the case. I have made it clear to Goetz that I am willing to help in any way. That includes not only appointing a designee to the committee, but also helping the committee with its work in any other way that may be productive.

I have spoken with tribal leaders, members of our congressional delegation and others on the Sioux logo issue. Goetz is putting the committee together to further that dialogue, and he is trying to do it in a way that will foster a constructive discussion, but also move the process forward."

Get the Story:
North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven letter: I'll help with nickname issue (The Grand Forks Herald 1/19)

Another Opinion:
Brett Kreis, Grand Forks, letter: Accept reality of nickname's fate (The Grand Forks Herald 1/19)

Earlier Coverage:
Hoeven willing to put rep on nickname committee (The Grand Forks Herald 1/16)
Sioux nickname panel lacks high-level representatives (The Grand Forks Herald 1/15)

Related Stories:
Yellow Bird: Another 'Fighting Sioux' committee (1/19)