November 2011 CUJ - Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian ...

Judicial BranchGRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - The headof the University of North Dakota’s futureconference says the continuing controversyover the school’s Fighting Sioux nicknamecould overshadow its athletic programs.Big Sky Conference CommissionerDoug Fullerton says UND could becomea ``marginalized Division I program’’ ifthe issue drags on, and believes the schoolwould ``become of less use’’ to the league‘The people expectthe Court to interpretthe law, apply thelaw, and makefair and objectivedecisions.’Continued from Page 1Johnson dismissed them as red herringsmeant to entice controversy.Among the complaints was that theproposed amendment wasn’t draftedby General Council.Instead, Johnson said,the amendment wascorrectly drafted byCTUIR attorneys.Now General Councilmembers will be ableto give a thumbs up orthumbs down whenthey vote.“We’ve been accountableto the people,”Johnson said.“When we say it wesay it in public. TribalCourt is transparent,either in writing or in public. When Isay ‘not guilty’ I have to say why I ruledthat way.”“Anyone who opposes the amendment,”Johnson said, “would seeminglywant to keep Tribal Court withoutdocumented checks and balances andthe potential for personal or politicalinfringement. Case decisions should bebased on evidence and law presented inopen court.”Rather, Johnson believes, “The peopleexpect the Court to interpret the law, applythe law, and make fair and objectivedecisions. To maintain that, we don’twant personal or political influence toaffect the confidentiality and the integrityof the system. When you violate that youhave an unfair system– only a chance atjustice.”It is important, too,Johnson said, that Indianand non-Indianalike understandTribal Court will havea fair and objectivesystem to adjudicateproblems.“People need tofeel like they’re gettinga fair shot andthis amendment willmake sure that happens”when another judge takes over,he said.Johnson noted that this proposedamendment follows a study in 2006 thatrecommended an independent TribalCourt.C o p i e s o f t h e p r o p o s e da m e n d m e n t a r e a v a i l a b l e a tXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Johnsonsaid he would gladly discuss the issuewith anyone who asks about it.CTUIR Judge William JohnsonLogo could ‘marginalize’ universityif that’s the case.UND is scheduled to begin play in theBig Sky next season.The Grand Forks Herald reports thatFullerton recently received a letter froma group of nickname supporters from theSpirit Lake Sioux Tribe.State lawmakers are scheduled to meetin November to vote on repealing a lawrequiring the school to keep the nickname.ALTHEAWOLF‘Kimoynew’for BOTTreasurer- Graduate: PHS, BMCC & EOU- Consistent record of GC involvementsince 18 years old- Current record of supporting the GCas a BOT At-Large Member- A plan for a more inclusive budget processDon’t forget to VOTENov. 15 at the NGCPaid Political AdNovember 2011Confederated Umatilla Journal49