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AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT GRAND GOVERNING COUNCIL

MINISTRY FOR INFORMATION
P.O. Box 13521
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Email: aimggc@worldnet.att.net
Web Address: www.aimovement.org


State Board of Higher Education decides to Retire Fighting Sioux Nickname, Logo


April 9, 2010

A long time coming

Throughout the years students, faculty, staff, supporters, and the American Indian Movement worked and rallied to rid the University of North Dakota of its racist logo and team name. Today we see victory in the tireless work that was done by all involved, and we congratulate you. Everyone knows that the late Vernon Bellecourt who led the National Coalition on Racism in Sports and Media was a part of this effort. Just last year Clyde Bellecourt, Vernon's brother spoke and supported a rally at UND.


MAYVILLE, N.D. -- The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has decided to retire the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

The State Board directed UND President Dr. Robert Kelley to begin the transition process immediately. However, UND's athletics teams will remain the Fighting Sioux for the 2010-11 season.

UND athletics will hold a press conference at 9 a.m. on Friday to address today's decision. Attendees will include UND director of athletics Brian Faison, men's hockey coach Dave Hakstol, football coach Chris Mussman, men's basketball coach Brian Jones and women's basketball Gene Roebuck.