'Fighting Sioux' Backers Fight to Restore Name

Another battle looms in North Dakota's long-running fight over the Fighting Sioux. The University of North Dakota has been trying to retire the nickname and logo deemed offensive to Native Americans, but the name's supporters say they have gathered enough signatures to force a statewide referendum on the issue in June, reports AP. The name has been removed from some UND team uniforms to avoid NCAA sanctions.

The Spirit Lake Sioux tribe approved the use of the Fighting Sioux name after voting in a reservation referendum, but the Standing Rock tribe had no referendum, and its council opposes the name. Standing Rock member Archie Fool Bear was among the organizers of the signature drive. He says the referendum means his tribe will finally have the chance to vote on the issue. Organizers are also circulating a petition that would enshrine use of the name in North Dakota's state constitution. (More North Dakota Fighting Sioux stories.)