Working at various nonprofits in the Twin Cities has been great – being part of good faith efforts to move our community forward.
Since re-joining the University, I’ve become aware of a crucial initiative.
The TRUTH Project is a collaborative effort between MIAC and the University, in response to MIAC calling on the University of Minnesota to be better relatives to the 11 Tribal Nations. It’s a great first step in what needs to be a permanent process going forward.
I had been aware of the damage and the trauma and so on that the Indian Nations had experienced, and the current deficiencies in situations they face, but I wasn’t aware of this constructive framework for positive action.
I just took a short course in Tribal – University Relations as well, and that was very enlightening. I realized I had been thinking of treaties as mainly events at certain points in time, that had some ongoing provisions, but mainly were in the past. And that rights were granted within them to Native Nations.
Those were some of my misconceptions.. I’ve come to understand now much more clearly that Native Nations had in the past and continue to have their own inherent sovereignty, which the treaties reflected but did not enhance or diminish. And that the rights in treaties were given to the settler community in exchange for peace and well-being of the Native Nations, but all other rights not specified were retained by them. So that context is very helpful.
Also that class provided a lot of useful resources for people to use in going forward, some of which I’ll share here:
Forest Service Tribal Connections Map – To start process of planning an event in a specific space optimally.
Site illustrates the relationship between lands administered by the Forest Service, Indian lands, and lands ceded to the United States. Type in any address and it zooms to that location, click nearby and a pop-up window appears referencing the situation for that specific area.
A Day in the Life of the MN Tribal Nations – Created in partnership w/ MN Indian Affairs Council & MN Hum Ctr for traveling exhibit: Why Treaties Matter .
Why Treaties Matter – MN Humanities Center
MN Indian Affairs Council – to reach out to specific person who you can communicate with relating to an upcoming project or issue
Tribal Affairs Council – Tribal Leaders Directory – same, but across the whole country
Native American Perspectives on Land Laws – National Park Service – Impact of land laws including the Homestead Act of 1862 on lives of Native Americans
Journey starting with this single step!
Clarity Solutions 