In a letter to UND President Charles Kupchella, the Hunkpapa Treaty Council of Elders at Fort Yates (aka Standing Rock, ND) said it endorses the use of the name because it represents the idea that the Sioux people have never given up, "even when we faced overwhelming adversity."

Next, to counter some of the vilification of Mr. Engelstad (borrowed from a friend, with permission, with facts from the Grand Forks, ND, Herald):

1. There were two of the infamous Hitler birthday parties, one in 1986 and one in 1988. They were private affairs intended to show off Engelstad's collection of World War II German vehicles to sellers and buyers. Engelstad said that he never made any attempt to hide what was happening at the parties. He didn't think he needed to.

2. Engelstad was honored by President Bush for employing the handicapped. He is also very active in his church and has given money to many charities and worthy causes. He donated all the Nazi memorabilia in his World War II collection to the Holocaust Museum.

3. Engelstad has a strong interest in World War II history and collected items and artwork from the era as investments, as many people do. Although he also owns a car formerly used by Joseph Stalin, nobody accuses him of being a Communist. He bought the personal papers of General George Patton and donated them to the library at the University of North Dakota. Patton played a major role in defeating the Nazis and was a rabid anti-communist.

It's unfortunate that many choose to focus on one unfortunate incident in Engelstad's life and tar him forever with it. He admitted that he was wrong and he issued a public apology. Some people aren't satisfied until they extract a pound of flesh.

(end borrowed material)

From a recap story from 1980s events in the Las Vegas Sun (November 9, 2000):

He (Engelstad) was fined for disgracing Nevada and he issued a public apology for showing "poor taste" for housing the collection at the resort and for having the parties, which he called "stupid an insensitive." He also denounced Hitler.

The fine was $1,500,000.00.

However, please don't allow me to dissuade you from continuing with denouncements of UND and Mr. Engelstad for standing with the Oceti Sakowin Hunkpapa (aka Standing Rock Sioux) Elders.

-- The Sicatoka, Alum, UND (posted 2/27, 2:00 p.m., U.S. Eastern time)

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