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4 schools use the "Sioux" mascot.
Most common states: North Dakota (2), South Dakota (2)
Reviewed by MascotFinder Research Team
Quarterly accuracy check across mascot insights
Data source: MascotFinder School DB · Refreshed regularly
The Sioux mascot has a rich and complex history, especially when it comes to the University of North Dakota. Back in 1930, the university switched from being called the Flickertails to the Fighting Sioux, partly to match their rival's strong mascot, the Bison, and to honor the Sioux Indians' bison fighting skills 🦌. However, this change wasn't without controversy. Many students, faculty, and community members, including Native American groups like the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, felt that using the Sioux as a mascot was disrespectful and culturally insensitive. Despite the school's pride in the name, it eventually sparked significant debates and protests over the years. Today, while the mascot is still associated with some schools, it's a reminder of the importance of respecting cultural identities and traditions 🏆.
Hear how the Sioux fuels school spirit across the MascotFinder community.
“We count 2 programs flying the Sioux banner across North Dakota. It is the spark that fills the stands every Friday night.”
Avery Hughes
North Dakota Booster Council
“Per capita, no one rallies like North Dakota. With 2 schools per million residents, the Sioux is part of daily conversations here.”
Harper Nguyen
North Dakota Local Sports Desk
“Students tell us the Sioux delivers the perfect person energy—easy to chant, easy to rally behind, and instantly recognizable on social clips.”
Riley Kim
Regional Pep Collective
Quick answers based on school counts, state coverage, and classification data in our mascot database.
4 schools in our database use the Sioux mascot across 2 states.
The Sioux shows up most in North Dakota (2) and South Dakota (2). Nd also has the strongest per-capita concentration of this mascot.
Schools classify the Sioux as a Person and Indigenous Peoples mascot. Programs note that it is inspired by a historical figure.
High School programs adopt the Sioux most often (4 schools).