The debate over UND's Sioux logo and Sioux nickname is being put to rest in 2011. In order to comply with NCAA guidelines, the name is being dropped.
The debate over a name change went on for decades. Twenty-five years ago, Virgil Foss wrote in the Herald sports pages:
"The widening use of the caricature of the Sioux Indian logo -- and even the use of it at all -- has raised concern again at UND."
Leigh Jeanotte, chairman of the Cultural Awareness Action committee at UND, said the logo used by the Sioux hockey team on their uniforms was offensive to some American Indians.
He said the emblem worn by the Sioux hockey team was not the official emblem of UND. That emblem -- used in school brochures and press releases -- was the geometric design created by University Relations and used in press releases in the late 1970s at the request of Carl Miller, who was then athletic director. It was created after concerns arose over the use of the Sioux logo; and since then, one of the caricatures had become more commonly used.
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The CAA committee met with representatives of the athletic committee and book store to say the caricature was offensive to some Indians.
The committee wanted to get an idea of logo acceptance and submit suggestions to UND President Tom Clifford. UND Athletic Director Gino Gasparini said using the logo was not meant to be offensive. "It reflects a great deal of tradition and pride. It's worn with pride and distinction around the country."
Jeanotte said at the time he would abide by Clifford's decision.
A Herald editorial said UND should be sensitive to the latest concerns that the caricature takes the place of the official UND logo. If the university determined the picture detracts from American Indian pride in UND, then it should be changed to a new design.
In addition to the column and editorial, there was a story with the headlines, "Not all UND students object to Sioux logo."
MaDonna Parisien, Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, said she did not see it as offensive. "To me, it looks like a little renegade. I wonder if they want to represent the hockey team that way. I don't feel strongly about it myself."
T.J. McLaughlin of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation said, "There are so many things in this world that this is insignificant to what Indians have to go through. There are so many issues more important to Indians than the logo."
And Babette Walker of Bismarck said, "It is kind of offensive. I didn't know they were using it. I don't know why they would use that just for hockey. I think they should use the geometric design all the time."
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- Also in December 1986, area residents had their last chance to see long-range B52 bombers in flight.
The last plane left Grand Forks Air Force Base on Dec. 4. The plan was to make one last pass over the air base, then follow U.S. Highway 2 into Grand Forks and make one or two passes over the city at an altitude of 1,000-1,500 feet.
Piloting the B52 was Colonel John Jaeckle, commander of the 319th Bombardment Wing. A farewell party was planned at the air base with Dick King's Classic Swing Band providing the music.
- Andrew Hampsten was back in Grand Forks for the first time since he won the Tour de Switzerland and came in fourth in Tour de France, the sport's most prestigious event.
Hampsten was living in Boulder, Colo., at the time and training by cross-country skiing, hiking, lifting weights and bike riding.
Hampsten, then 24, was reticent and a private person. He did speak to the Red River Valley Cycling Club.
