June 19th, 2002

National Congress of Ameircan Indians Reaffirms Opposition of University North Dakota "Fighting Sioux" Mascot and Logo

(BISMARCK, N.D.) The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) - the country's oldest, largest and most representative national American Indian and Alaska Native organization - reaffirmed its resolution opposing the University of North Dakota's use of the "Fighting Sioux"name and logo.

The resolution which was passed at NCAI's Annual Session in Spokane, Wash., in 2001, was reaffirmed in Bismarck this week, following a presentation and plea by three Native American UND studentsand two professors that NCAI support their struggle to convince UND to remove the "Fighting Sioux" designation.

"We were struck not only by the impact of the logo, but also by the whole set of public reactions - many of them shocking for their racist overtones - that have accompanied this heartfelt request to respect Native cultures by choosing a new mascot and symbol for the UND," said Juana Majel who chairs NCAI's subcommittee on religious and cultural concerns. "There is so much resentment erupting over this issue that it is creating an environment where Native students are experiencing great difficulties trying to learn and are even being forced out of the university."

"Since NCAI is meeting here in North Dakota, we wanted to share our concern for a local issue, which is really impacting many others on a national level," said Majel.

NCAI's Mid-Year Session, which ends today, attracted approximately 1,000 American Indian tribal leaders and their representatives.