The University of North Dakota “Sioux” nickname made its debut more than 74 years ago, in the autumn of 1930. The “Sioux” nickname became the staple of the University of North Dakota officially on October 2, 1930. In the Friday, October 3, 1930, edition of the Dakota Student, UND’s student newspaper, featured a front-page banner headline, “Sioux’ Replaces ‘Flickertail’ as Caption of University Sport Teams.” An article in that issue reported, “At convocation yesterday morning (which would have been October 2, 1930), the official announcement was made that the Athletic Board of Control had conducted the rites of changing the name and had given their sanction to the abolition of Flickertail and to the enactment of the Sioux.”

The name was chosen because the area of the Dakotas was once part of the Sioux Nation. UND was founded in 1883 in the Dakota Territory, six years before North Dakota became a state. The Sioux were born brave warriors. Their name connotes courage, honor, overcoming adversity, pride, and victory.

The “Fighting” reference was instigated in the mid-1960s by then UND Sports Information Director Lee Bohnet.

The “Fighting Sioux” has been represented graphically in a variety of different ways, but nothing stable seemed to come into use until the late 1960s when the Chicago Blackhawk logo was adopted, primarily for hockey. What is termed the “geometric” logo was introduced in 1976 and was applied to most athletic activities. UND’s use of the Blackhawk logo was discontinued in 1993.

The new Indian head logo, designed by UND Alumnus and Native American artist Bennet Brien, went into use with the advent of the 2001-2002 athletic season. The 2001-2002 athletics season was also the inaugural season of the Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Fighting Sioux Logo Symbolization

Explained by: David and Bennet Brien

Noted Native American artist Bennet Brien of Belcourt, N.D., is the designer of the Fighting Sioux symbol.  Mr. Brien’s artwork is vastly displayed but his most notable work can be seen in the main lobby of the Federal Office Building, on the University of North Dakota campus, and the lawn of the State Capitol in Bismarck.  Brien, who holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Dakota, describes the symbolism of the UND athletic mark as follows:

• The feathers symbolize the outstanding rewards that students, faculty, staff, and alumni will achieve for academic, athletic and lifelong excellence.
• The determined look in the eyes symbolizes fortitude and never giving up and the focus necessary for sustained academic, athletic and lifelong achievement.
• The paint on the cheekbone symbolizes that life can be a battle and we have daily struggles.
• The color green symbolizes the development of young people and their growth at the University of North Dakota.
• The color yellow symbolizes the sun which provides humanity, light and warmth in order for life to continue.
• The color red symbolizes the lifeblood that has been poured out to make our state and people great.

The University of North Dakota is the home of the Fighting Sioux.  UND officially adopted the name of the Fighting Sioux in the 1930’s because the Sioux Warriors were the most courageous of all warriors.  The great Sioux Nation epitomized honor, courage, pride, overcoming adversity and winning battles.  All fans in Ralph Engelstad Arena are asked to cheer your team to victory and exhibit good sportsmanship, as well as respect the American Indians and their proud and honored culture and heritage.