On August
30th, the Charities Review Council’s staff, board, and committee
members gathered to take in and reflect on “Why Treaties Matter:
Self-Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations”, a traveling exhibition at
the Ramsey County Historical Society. This exhibit explores the Native nations
in Minnesota and the history of treaty-making with the United States. Board
member, LaVon Lee, and her husband, John Poupart, guided a discussion on the
exhibit and its meaning for the nonprofit sector. Then staff members took a
moment to reflect:
Amy
Sinykin
I love how the exhibition reminded me of the Native philosophy
about how we’re all related to the earth—how our innate being impacts the land,
the plants, animals, and each other. We are all inter-related. Land isn’t about ownership but it’s about our
relationship to other living things. Humans can be so full of hubris to think
we are “in charge”, as my 6 year old would say. But we share this world with
all living things. At its essence, the “Why Treaties Matter” exhibit was
another opportunity for me to continue my learning and cultural
understanding. It re-iterated the
importance of relationships and the value of conversations in any culture and in
the American Indian culture.
Jenna
Salinas
The “Why Treaties Matter” exhibit provided a unique perspective of
our State’s history, and of the American Indian experience, both then and now.
The exhibit reinforced the importance of taking the time to learn about the backgrounds
of others and to recognize how those experiences impact who we are and how we
relate to the world. This holds particular importance for our work at the
Council, as we strive to reach out to a broad spectrum of individuals and
organizations, be mindful of where people are coming from, and remain nimble in
how we provide our services to meet all needs.
Kris
Kewitsch
The exhibit is a great reminder of how the history that continues
to be taught in our classrooms does not present a full picture of what
transpired nor why it matters today.
Seeing “Why Treaties Matter” not only taught me historical facts I
didn’t know, but made them real and relevant. We cannot begin to meet the needs
of the changing demographic in Minnesota without first acknowledging and
understanding where we’ve been.
Lynnea
Atlas-Ingebretson
This exhibit is full of pictures, history, and the present. What I
found most powerful was the video of current members of the Dakota and Ojibwe
Nations sharing their stories and knowledge. Both elders and young people
shared their vision, knowledge, concerns, and, most importantly, solutions for
the future. It is amazing what people are capable of; to thrive in the face of
tremendous adversity is spirit filling. I walked away with some sadness, a lot
of hope, and gratefulness. I want to learn more about what it means to work across
sovereign nations.
According
to MN Compass, 67,325 American Indians reside in Minnesota, many of whom face
disparities in health, income, education, and employment. This population is
growing and some outcomes are improving, thanks to many area nonprofits. Seeking
knowledge, increasing multicultural participation, and creating reciprocal
intercultural relationships are keys to building culturally affirming and
relevant nonprofits best positioned for the future of Minnesota.
“Why
Treaties Matter: Self-Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations” is a
collaboration of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, the Minnesota Humanities
Center, and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American
Indian. You can find a listing of exhibit dates and locations here: http://www.minnesotahumanities.org/treaties.
Other great
exhibits to consider visiting:
Dakota Family
Day - Minnesota History Center, St. Paul MN, Sept. 29, Noon to 4 p.m., Free
U.S.-Dakota
War of 1862 Exhibit - Minnesota History Center, $6
DED UŋK’UŋPI—WE ARE HERE Exhibit - All
My Relations Gallery, Sept. 28, Free
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