Subject: Fighting Whites inspire imitators

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20030106-12664856.htm

January 6, 2003

Fighting Whites inspire imitators
By Valerie Richardson
THE WASHINGTON TIMES

DENVER — Don't be surprised if the hottest ticket in college basketball
this season turns out to be a match between the Fighting Whites and the North
American Stealers

The pride of the University of Northern Colorado, the Whites won only two
games in their intramural basketball league last year, but their idea of
turning the tables on schools with American Indian mascot names has spread
like wildfire.

Students at a handful of colleges across the rural West and Indian
country are considering forming their own Fighting Whites-style intramural
teams this season, inspired by the success of the team, first planned as "the
Fightin' Whities," in drawing national media attention to the mascot issue.

"There's talk about whether we want to start a Fighting Whites team
ourselves. We're working on it," said Monique Volland, a law student at the
University of North Dakota who works at the school's Native Media Center.

Publicity about the Fighting Whites gave a boost to those who have
lobbied for years to change the name of the University of North Dakota's
mascot, the Fighting Sioux.

"It was huge when [the Whites] first came out," she said. "We recognize
they've added to our support. They've drawn a lot of attention to the issue."

Inspired by the Whites, North Dakota students created a stir in October
with an art exhibit at the university's International Center. The show
displayed dozens of jerseys from hockey, football and other sports, some real
and some with mock names such as the "North American Stealers," "Wounded Knee
Crusaders" and "Cleveland Honkies."

A few were more incendiary, such as one showing a hooded Klansman under
the name "Atlanta White Devils" and the "Vatican City Popes 'n' Pedophiles."

Charles Cuny, last year's Fighting Whites captain, said the players had
hoped to encourage teams at other schools by providing them with free
T-shirts. The Whites raised more than $100,000 last year selling team shirts,
which depict a 1950s-style Ozzie Nelson look-alike, on the Internet.

But the players decided against it for legal reasons, he said.
"We're a nonprofit now, and I think that would be illegal because we say
all the money goes toward scholarships," Mr. Cuny said.
The team donated $100,000 to the Colorado university last month to cover
scholarships for American Indian students and make a contribution to the main
endowment. The Whites sold more than 15,000 shirts and hats, which soon became
must-have fashion statements on regional campuses and reservations.

"They're all over the place," said Miss Volland, a member of the Turtle
Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in Belcourt, N.D. "I've seen people wearing
them on my reservation. Even faculty members are wearing them."

Even if the franchise effort falls through, the team can point to a
string of accomplishments. Since the Fighting Whites captured the spotlight
last season, at least 20 high schools and one college, Quinnipiac University
in Connecticut, have jettisoned their American Indian mascots, said Solomon
Little Owl, director of Native American Student Services at the University of
Northern Colorado.

For schools that can't afford to change mascots, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr.,
New Jersey Democrat, in September introduced the Native Act to Transform
Images in Various Environments. Known as the NATIVE bill, it would establish a
grant program to pay for repainting stadiums, gymnasiums and other costs
associated with switching mascots.
"It's great we're educating people about mascot stereotypes," said Mr.
Little Owl, who also plays point guard for the team.
Whether people are actually changing their minds or just enjoying the
joke is not clear.
The Whites concede that some T-shirt buyers missed the point and saw them
as a statement of white pride. Likewise, when a conservative Web site,
FreeRepublic.com, ran a story about the North Dakota art exhibit, it was
flooded with responses from readers asking where to buy the jerseys.
"Cleveland Honkies! Where do I buy it? I think I'd pay $100 for a jersey
so emblazoned. I'm completely serious," said one e-mailer.
Others came up with suggestions of their own, such as the "Arkansas
Beer-Bellies" and "California Commies."
One school that hasn't budged on the issue is Eaton High School, home of
the Fightin' Reds, the Colorado school that inspired the Fighting Whites. But
Mr. Little Owl hasn't given up hope.
"Eaton hasn't changed. They're being stubborn. They're still scrambling
over the beating they took in the media last year," said Mr. Little Owl. "But
this is a young campaign, and I think it has a bright future."
_______________________________________________________________________

Subject: Campaign targets 'Fighting Sioux' items

Campaign targets 'Fighting Sioux' items

http://www.indianz.com/News/show.asp?ID=2003/01/08/und
Faculty members at the University of North Dakota are leading an effort to
stop the sale of merchandise bearing the school's controversial "Fighting
Sioux" nickname and logo.

The campaign has succeeded with the Barnes & Noble University Bookstore on the
school campus. The store is no longer selling shot glasses with the logo and
will tone down in-store displays, The Grand Forks Herald reports.

Area tribes and Indian students oppose the nickname. Most other students and
alumni don't want the name eliminated.

Get the Story:
UND: Logo defenders call bookstore action bad biz (The Grand Forks Herald 1/8)
UND: Bookstore makes call on 'Sioux' shot glasses (The Grand Forks Herald 1/8)

Relevant Links:
The University of North Dakota - http://www.und.edu