VERMILLION, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The University of South Dakota football team will wear custom-made helmets to honor the Native American Heritage Day game in November.

The Coyotes will sport helmets designed by Sadie Red Wing of the Spirit Lake Dakota tribe.

The helmets will feature the word “Sungmanitu”, which is Lakota for Coyote, and be designed to represent the Seven Council Fires (Oceti Sakowin), which includes the nine tribal nations in South Dakota.

John Little, the director of Native Recruitment & Alumni Engagement at USD, says this custom helmet helps to highlight the importance of Native American representation.

“Being able to use the Lakota language on the helmets as well as feature the tribal nation’s flags continues that legacy,” said Little. “It also allows students,

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