Perhaps some of you have heard how both the Summit League and Big Sky Conference have had "issues" with the Fighting Sioux nickname. Most UND fans actually want the name dropped now, because they've been told for so many years that the nickname is inhibiting UND's ability to join and stay in a conference. The truth seems to be something massively different: UND, NDSU, and state officials have worked in the background and asked those conferences to oppose the nickname. By external forces opposing the nickname, political careers are not as threatened (as long as the conferences stay silent).

http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/emails-...ntroversy/


On June 12th, North Dakota will vote on whether to retain the Fighting Sioux nickname. The only organized group supporting the nickname is the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe, who have endorsed the nickname in perpetuity. Practically all state politicians and education leaders are opposed to the name.

If the Big Sky "threat" wasn't hanging over the nickname, "Fighting Sioux" would probably be approved by 80-90% of the populace. Polls currently show it losing 55-45% because of all "the damage" the nickname will do to the university.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/ar...id/238255/

So, since Buffaloes, Jack Rabbits and Coyotes are taken, what would the replacement be?

Antelopes?
Prarie Dogs?

(06-07-2012 03:02 PM)10thMountain Wrote:  So, since Buffaloes, Jack Rabbits and Coyotes are taken, what would the replacement be?

Antelopes?
Prarie Dogs?

The legislature demanded that no nickname be chosen for three years. The State Board probably won't follow that, as they want a new name soon.

The Spirit Lake Sioux tribe is closing in on the required number of signatures to make "Fighting Sioux" the nickname by constitutional amendment. That measure may not be voted on until 2014.

Rough Riders (ND's state nicknames include Rough Rider state, Sioux state, Peace Garden State) would probably get chosen. It's a name that Phil Jackson wants.

(06-07-2012 03:02 PM)10thMountain Wrote:  So, since Buffaloes, Jack Rabbits and Coyotes are taken, what would the replacement be?

Antelopes?
Prarie Dogs?

Fightin' Honkies?

i understand that some mascot names might be offensive, redskins for example, but what is offensive about sioux? Why is braves not considered offensive or the 49ers, fightin irish etc? i view the sioux nickname as an honor. A way to say,the sioux are tough, strong and brave. (the same way, i think the terms "minutemen"
'cowboys" or "patriots" are intended)

Flickertails

It was their original nickname

Conversely, the SEC would appear to have a stealth campaign to encourage the use of the nickname "Tigers".

(06-07-2012 03:15 PM)NoDak Wrote:  The Spirit Lake Sioux tribe is closing in on the required number of signatures to make "Fighting Sioux" the nickname by constitutional amendment. That measure may not be voted on until 2014.

Wow, really? Are they the bigger Sioux tribe? My recollection was one tribe supported it and one didn't, and as long as the one didn't they couldn't keep the name. But if the other is fighting to enshrine the name in law...I guess they really care.

And I completely agree that "Redskins"--an actually freaking RACIST EPITHET--is thousands of times worse than "Fighting Sioux."

(06-07-2012 04:08 PM)BewareThePhog Wrote:  Conversely, the SEC would appear to have a stealth campaign to encourage the use of the nickname "Tigers".

No Sh!t. I beleive that all SEC teams are required to change their mascot to tiggers by the end of the decade. Also,If the SEC were to expand. Those teams would also need to change to the Tiggers.