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Updated at 8:57 a.m., Wednesday, April 22, 2009

One tribe votes to approve Fighting Sioux nickname for North Dakota

Associated Press

FORT TOTTEN, N.D. — Tribal officials say residents of the Spirit Lake reservation residents have overwhelmingly approved the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname and Indian head logo.

Ivan Lovejoy Sr., a member of the tribal election committee, announced Wednesday that the vote in Tuesday's primary election was 764 in favor of the nickname and logo and 371 against it.

Under a settlement with the NCAA, UND needs approval from the Sioux tribes in the state to continue using the nickname and Indian-head logo without penalties. The NCAA considers it hostile and abusive.

An opponent of the nickname, Terry Morgan, said the election results make him "embarrassed and ashamed for our people."

Morgan said, "if it hurts one person, why use it?"

Supporters of the nickname say it has been used with pride and respect.

No official nickname vote has been scheduled on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, which straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border. Standing Rock leaders have opposed the nickname and logo.