I read an article on CNN today about the University of North Dakota refusing to stop using the mascot the Fighting Sioux.  They are the last university to be using a name without the permission of the namesake Nation. The NCAA required colleges to drop the Native based monikers, and the statute is running out for the changes.

There are a handful of other colleges using some Native names, BUT they have the permission of the tribes they reference.  The Tribal Council of the Standing Rock Sioux denied the use of the name.  The NCAA will refuse to let certain events happen for the University of North Dakota.  It affects the students, it affects the tribe and it affects the people of North Dakota.

I don’t understand why they are so set on using this name.  Granted the “Fighting Sioux” isn’t a completely derogatory name, but they’ve already been denied and it has negative consequences for their athletic department.  Are they biting their nose to spite their face?

I’m wondering how I would feel if it was the Acjachemen Nation facing this?  (I think they’d have to learn to say it first) Does it matter if is derogatory or not?  I mean there are the Yankees, I don’t see any Northern state Caucasians up in arms. But there are teams like the Cleveland Indians and the Washington Redskins. Is it a futile fight?

As a Native American, I have a problem with a people as a mascot.  Would it not be offensive if we named a team the Oakland Negros or the Houston Orientals or the Charlotte Whities? (all offensive, right?!)

I’ll be watching this as it unravels.