There’s A New Push To Reinstate The North Dakota Sioux Nickname

The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

The current name and mascot for North Dakota athletics. UND adopted the Fighting Hawks nickname back in November of 2015. It's hard to believe UND has been "The Fighting Hawks" that long, to be honest. The University tried relentlessly to keep its beloved "Fighting Sioux" nickname for many years.

Going round and round with the NCAA, which threatened sanctions against UND if they kept the "Fighting Sioux" nickname without the approval of both of the Sioux tribes in the state. North Dakota was able to get the Spirit Lake Nation to overwhelmingly approve the name with a vote. However, the University was unable to get the Standing Rock Sioux tribe to vote. It's believed the people of the Standing Rock Tribe, according to independent survey's would ultimately approve the nickname. That vote never materialized, and the Sioux nickname would eventually be retired.

Now, 10 years later, there is a new push from a well-known member of the Spirit Lake Nation Sioux tribe to reinstate the "Fighting Sioux" nickname.

That's a letter from Frank Black Cloud that was posted to his Facebook page, which was meant to be shared with the residents of North Dakota and the University of North Dakota.

I love the sense of pride Frank Black Cloud has for the once cherished nickname and logo.

In the letter, he talks about being a proud advocate for Native American Heritage and culture. The UND nickname and logo were symbols that embodied the fierce spirit, resilience, and pride of the Sioux people for 80 years. Honoring the warrior traditions of the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Nation.

Black Cloud said the pressure from the NCAA was misguided, calling the Sioux nickname and logo, hostile and abusive, which ultimately forced the retirement of the nickname and logo. The loss of the logo left a void that can't be fixed with a new nickname.

Here's what Frank Black Cloud has asked the people of North Dakota to do.

Seek renewed tribal consultations, challenge outdated NCAA policies, and pass legislation to reinstate the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

As somebody who attended the University of North Dakota and who was born and raised in Grand Forks, there is nothing I would love to see more.