So Long "Sioux"

The first research essay I ever wrote about sports came in an Organizational Communication graduate seminar at Marquette University. I critiqued the discourse surrounding the controversy about the University of North Dakota's "Fighting Sioux" nickname. The paper led to my first conference presentation, as well, so I have maintained a certain attachment to the issue as it evolved at UND. Back in 2000, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education voted to preserve the "Fighting Sioux" name. This decision was reached after it appeared the university's president was inclined ot change the name, which drew heavy criticism from wealthy alumnus, Ralph Engelsatd. More than just a former student with a lot of cash, Engelstad was also the chief source of money for a new hockey arena on campus. Thus, when he threatened to cut off his cash if the university did away with the "Fighting Sioux," it was probably a foregone conclusion that the name would remain. And, as if to drive the point home as inelegantly as possible, he made sure that Ralph Engelstad Arena is adorned with literally thousands of "Fighting Sioux" logos. From NPR, here's an image of the granite floor in the concourse:

Holy excess, Ralph!

Flash forward to 2009. According to NPR, UND wants to compete in the Summit League, which is part of the NCAA's Division I. For the university to be in accordance with the NCAA's 2005 ruling that prohibits universities with Native American mascots from competing in post-season tournaments, it needs to shed the name that American Indians (and many others) have found racist and offensive for decades. Even if the motivations are less about equality and justice and more about trying to cash in on big-time collegiate sports, it is welcome news that change is on the way at UND. And that means there will be one less institution using an objectionable mascot.


Engelstad is smart, however. He made sure that a private foundation, not the university, owns and operates the arena that bears his name. Thus, it isn't clear what will happen to the arena and its "decorations." Perhaps it will stand as a testament to a time when attitudes toward "Indians" produced embarassing and painful stereotypes--a time, it appears, that will soon be a thing of the past.