Lose-lose situation for Sioux

A cynical, pyrrhic victoryThe compromise is likely to do damage to North Dakota's Indians, particularly the Dakota and Lakota (Sioux), and it is likely to worsen white-Indian relations in North Dakota. If UND manages to "convince" the Indian leadership that "Fighting Sioux" is inoffensive, many white people will make cynical comments about the "payoff," the annuities wagon of programs, gifts, emoluments, research projects and other benefits that UND will be offering North Dakota's Indians in return for their "understanding." I have already heard such comments.

It's a kind of catch-22 situation for North Dakota's Indians. They will be expected to comply with UND's wishes out of the goodness of their hearts. If they refuse to cooperate, they will immediately become the "bad guys" responsible for the "loss" of "Fighting Sioux." I regard it as outrageous to make North Dakota's Indians bear the burden of settling a controversy they didn't create, about a nickname that appropriates their culture without their consent, using two terms ("fighting" and "Sioux") that do not accurately or fairly represent their cultural identity. If Lakota-Dakota Indian leaders use this moment, in which they are essential to the white man's happiness, to cut the best deal they can for the betterment of their people (which is just what you would expect in any other trademark deal), they will be accused of greed and their "Indianness" will be called into question. Do you see how profoundly unfair that is?