DRT - Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month. It has been national recognized since 1990, when a joint resolution was approved by President Bush. This month is a time to celebrate and learn more about rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. The DRT encourages you to take advantage of one or more of the following opportunities: 

The Taking of Indigenous Lands for What Becomes Northfield 

November 10, after worship in the Reception Room. Matt Rohn, retired St. Olaf professor and member of the Beyond the Land Acknowledgement team of First United Church of Christ, will share what he has learned about the troubling history of land being taken from Indigenous people to make it possible for speculators to found towns and churches in the area that we now call Northfield. 

Why Treaties Matter: Self-Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations exhibition 

October 9–November 17, Center for Art & Design, St. Olaf College https://wp.stolaf.edu/lutherancenter/why-treaties-matter This exhibit reveals how Dakota and Ojibwe treaties with the U.S. government affected the lands and lifeways of the Indigenous peoples of the place we now call Minnesota, and explains why these binding agreements between nations still matter today. It is meant to share important cultural information with all Minnesotans, that they may better understand the true circumstances surrounding Minnesota land, its use, and the vibrant cultural and political traditions its original inhabitants have sustained in the face of challenges. 

Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake 

Hocokata Ti, Shakopee, open year-round, Wed – Sat, 9am – 4:30pm

https://shakopeedakota.org/culture/hocokatati/ 

This public exhibit provides visitors with a cultural experience that enhances their knowledge and understanding of the Mdewakanton Dakota people and their history. 

14 Contemporary Books by Indigenous Writers You Need To Read 

Link to an article at BuzzFeed