Monday, October 29, 2007

Jury member #3

My name is Chief Grand Cherokee of the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribal Council. I am 60 years old and I grew up with this tribe and am a practicing Sioux. I did not go to college, but I am one of the elders in this tribe and am a chairman on the tribal council. I am one of the chairmen who are deciding whether or not our tribe supports the mascot for UND, or if we find it offensive and think that they should change it to something else. The previous decisions that we have made on this issue didn’t really say anything, we decided that we neither support or oppose the use of the Fighting Sioux as the nick name for the school. It is basically split down the middle with the same number of people on either side of the issue. None of us really think of it as a huge or important issue, but I personally don’t see what the big deal is. I don’t support it saying it is a great idea or anything, but I definitely don’t oppose it, I don’t think that we should force them to change the name of their mascot, or change the mascot at all, it just isn’t a big deal.

19 comments:

MLarson said...

I don't understand how you being Native American can not be insulted by the logo. It is representing you and your tribe. The logo should not be allowed.

knelson said...

I agree with the previous comment. I don't understand how you are not offended by the use of your tribal name as a mascot. I find it offensive and dehumanizing. I think that we are being compared to animals when we play them. Even though we they are trying to make us seem strong and mighty, I find it very offensive and demeaning.

Moe said...
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Project Success said...

I agree that the name/mascot should not be changed, as it is not offensive and plays no role in how the Native Americans live their everyday lives. It's just a sport!

sarah said...

Yes, this is "just a sport" however we are also "Just indians"...so do you think this is a reason to treat us like a dirt ans push our proud indian tribal names around and use a mascot to mock us?

..to the judge-- I think that you should truly think about this situation and think about others thoughts because there is plently of other mascots and names you can use to represent this sports game. Sports is "just a sport" and we are PEOPLE, people have feelings and everyone should respect this. Theres plenty of other options you can take in this mascot.

-clyde bellecourt

KP said...

Hello. I am Felicia Foy, a UND hockey fan. I understand how the name is not offensive but do you know what happens at half time of football games and between the periods of hockey games? A white person dresses up and dances while drums are banged. This is a mockery of your celebrated traditions! I don't understand how you could not find that offensive. Here are a few pictures that may help you see what Sioux Indians are taking offense to.

http://rlv.zazzle.com/isapi/designall.dll?action=view&pending=false&rvtype=pre&id=d3e7c819-c84d-43ca-9967-3dc9bbfd50c0&max_dim=125&view=

http://www.nhlshop.com/images/fightingsioux/helmet.jpg

Megan said...
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Megan said...
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Megan said...
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Rachel said...

Hey I'm the fifth jury member. What's your view on the mascot? Do you think UND should be able to keep it or should have to make a new one. Thanks!
- Amy Red Oak

brittany said...

Cathy Kersten
Chief the logo of the fighting Sioux is a proud looking warrior. UND is honoring the Sioux tribe when they use the mascot.UND has spent $9.7 million dollars on Indian-related programs and financial aid during the past year(UNDNews).

melissaPETERSON said...

How are you not offended? This just seems wrong to me. Look at the mascot don't you think it is a mis-representation of our people? Not every Indian runs around with flippin face paint on and feathers on there head. I know you know that those things may be a tradition but are not worn all the time as we please. It is just wrong it should be changed.

Captain Jack said...

wait a second, are you even an indian? because i personally know the real Cheif grand cherokee and he is against the mascot. Who the hell do you think you are? Any way, i think it is up to the Souix and not the cherokee whether or not they like the mascot but it is up to the school.

Megan said...

Jury Member #3-
I am a member of the Hunkpapa-Lakota Oyate Tribe. I also serve as the Tribal Chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and of the Great Plains Tribal Chairman's Association. I have all the respect in the world for your wanting to keep things peaceful in our community but I go without telling my opinions on this issue. It is an issue that is ripping the Native American apart. It is an opportunity to show the world that we, as Native Americans, are just as human as any other persons in the world. We need to fight for our rights and ban these names that are offending our people and causing a disturbance in our Tribes. It is for the good of our people.
-Ron His Horse Is Lightning

Moe said...

The mascot should not have to change. I don't see how the fighting sioux is wrong. People just choose the name because it support and honor the team. Not hurt anyone's feelings. I mean it is just a team name how could the name be offensive to others?

Ronnie Tall Bear

lawrence said...

Chief-
I can see how you don't disagree with the name change, but when it effects your tribe in a negative way i think you would be sympathetic towards the cause. There is a direct correlation between low test scores and racism. Its been proven. So when stereotypical comments which are presented commonly around the school community, it only makes sense that Native American test scores are low. So i beseech you to change your view, as your people are in need.
-Mike Saunnder UND Student

Breezy said...

Chief,
As a fellow member of your tribe, I would like to ask how do you think you are representing us as Native Americans. I see how you think there is no use since it is split down the middle, but you must think how the rest of us feel and take our representation into consideration.
~Myra Peterson