Grand Forks Herald Letters: Frank Burggraf: A proud name that meets every requirement: Sioux

Former UND hockey Players Frank Burggraff has a letter to the ediotr in today's Grand Forks Herald. It's worth a read. Thoughts on the article?

FARGO — I have to ask: Why the urgency to so quickly pave over 80 years of tradition at UND by drafting a new nickname?

Coming on the heels of the national midterm elections where Americans loudly and overwhelmingly rejected the overreach of the government and its policies, I have to question the rush.

I attended the public meeting for a new name. What I heard surprised me: “We need a nickname that is cool, competitive, attractive, proud, honorable, respectful, one that resonates with all and one that people will want to wear, even infants.”

Really? We already have such a name, just like the Seminoles, Utes and Warroad Warriors (among others) do.

So, why did we have to abandon the gift from the Sioux elders in the first place? I thought this issue really was about mascots done in poor taste.

Has there been any hostility or abuse, accusations from other schools, sanctions from athletic conferences or teams refusing to play UND now because UND doesn’t have a nickname?

It would be prudent for us all to stop and consider just what is going on at UND.

Silence does not constitute consent. I can assure Herald readers that the majority of Sioux still are hurting and angered over the deceit perpetuated on them during their fight to save the name and image.

The university’s administration should show some respect and give them time to heal before trying rebrand UND.

Do people really think Ralph Engelstad donated a facility — which carries the flags of two Sioux nations — so that after his passing, the university could take the Fighting Sioux name and dump it for a “better” one?

Engelstad’s donations to UND were loud and clear statements assuring a home for the Fighting Sioux — for all UND athletics and students in staunch support of the continued tradition of Sioux Pride at UND — forever.

I would be embarrassed to walk into his buildings, if I thought that my fingerprints were on the stripping of 80 years of Sioux Pride from the floors, seats, walls and hearts of generations of Sioux alumni while dishonoring the sacred Pipe Ceremony of 1969.

Ben Brien, a UND alumnus and American Indian artist, created a priceless symbol that people of all backgrounds and skin colors could and did embrace. It captured strong qualities that we try instill in our young people: pride, honor, respect and a fighting competitive spirit — the very essence of what those on the nickname committees seek.

Why is this symbol so priceless? Because of what is in it:

“A gaze is that of focus and determination, necessary in life and in the search for knowledge and wisdom.

“The feathers stand for brave and honorable things achieved in one’s life. Red stands for the life-blood given us by our Creator and that of our ancestors, who sacrificed that we may be here and have our moment in time.

“Green symbolizes growth and the gift of the Earth. Yellow, the sun’s warmth and light, necessary for us as we continue our life’s journey. White, purity of mind, respect for life and respect for all peoples.”

Only a fool would try to replace a priceless image that has inspired us and intertwined with our hearts while keeping the Sioux name on people’s lips.

(Read the rest of the Letter)