What happened to pride, honor, and the ability to stand up for one another for the sake of just simply being Indian?
I was against the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo before I attended the University of North Dakota. While a student there, I observed it didn't take long for Indians indifferent to the nickname to realize what I already knew, that there is no sincerity behind the honor and respect the nickname and logo are supposed to represent.
As a doctoral student at UND, I tried very hard not to be drawn into discussions about the Fighting Sioux issue. I learned early on those types of discussions didn't resolve anything, so I usually kept quiet when the subject came up. However, occasionally a comment would be made where I just had to respond.
I remember vividly a class where a couple of Native Americans were arguing with several non-Indians about the logo. One non-Indian scornfully asked, "Why do you guys always blame us for something that has happened 150 years ago?" Interrupting him, I replied, "Because you are doing the same things to us today that was done to our ancestors 150 years ago."
One of the "things" I was talking about is the divide and conquer tactic that works so well with some Native Americans. In 1887, the Dawes Act was passed because of this tactic. Many of our ancestors were against the Act, but unscrupulous officials promised more annuities, education, etc., to gain support. This divided our ancestors. The Act passed resulting in over 80 percent of reservation land being "sold" to non-Indians. The promises made were forgotten, and many of our ancestors starved.
The same old divide and conquer tactics that have historically worked so well against Indian people are now being used on Standing Rock. It is my understanding that six of the eight districts on the reservation have overwhelmingly voted against the logo and nickname. Now Tom Iron, who is known to represent the Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA), and his followers are attempting to divide the tribe by collecting signatures to override the people's wishes.
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council's official position has been against the nickname since 1992. It reaffirmed that stance in 1997, 2001, and 2005. Ironically, Tom voted against the name in 1997 and 2001 when he was on the council.
One aspect bothers me most with divisive strategy. Tribal members have to know full well that they are being patronized; yet, they choose to cooperate with the REA.
It is amazing how people can disguise their perception of the truth. What do they expect to gain? Paid tuition for their spouses, children, and grandchildren? Free Fighting Sioux shiny leather jackets? A chance to stay in nice hotel rooms and receive a significant travel allowance? Is this why they fail to see - or worse, choose to ignore -- how the issue is dividing people from and within respective tribes?
This isn't even politics anymore. It is just plain old, "Take advantage of the Indian." It is a matter of a few trying to exploit our weaknesses with bribes of freebies and promising the spotlight. Gifts and freebies are not always opportunities! Apparently, non-Indian logo advocates believe if you give an Indian gifts and freebies, he will eat out of your hand, do anything, sign anything.
The old "divide and conquer" mentality is as active today as it was 150 years ago.
Why doesn't Tom Iron and his band of followers get a petition that has some significance and real-life meaning for tribal members? It would be nice if they fought so hard for and carried around a petition for more jobs for tribal members, more housing, better health care.
This vote is about a name that will not improve the quality of life for even one tribal member.
I am not against this issue simply because I am Indian. I am against this issue because exploiting my tribe, my people, and my culture for the sake of a collegiate hockey team is simply wrong.
