Tribal group hopes to block UND moniker retirement

FORT TOTTEN, N.D. (AP) — Members of the Spirit Lake Nation who support the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname are trying to block the impending retirement of the name and the school's Indian head logo.

The Grand Forks Herald reports (http://bit.ly/qyxEE7 ) the Spirit Lake Committee for Understanding and Respect has filed an injunction in tribal court seeking to stop the nickname's retirement and force the transfer of the Fighting Sioux licensing and merchandising rights to the Spirit Lake Sioux tribe. A tribal attorney says he expects disputes over jurisdiction.

The committee recently received the blessing of the Tribal Council to continue the fight to keep the nickname.

The nickname is likely to be retired because NCAA officials are refusing to budge on sanctions if UND keeps it. The NCAA considers the nickname offensive.

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