This is the second year that the Native American Awareness Task Group (NAA) of the Justice Commission has been engaged deepening awareness of issues that are faced by Native Americans.NAA is also actively involved with Dream of Wild Health in Hugo where the heirloom seeds of Cora Baker are carefully tended, planted, harvested, prepared and consumed by Native American youth from the Twin Cities under the guidance of the staff of Dream of Wild Health and volunteers.
Yesterday, I was privileged to represent the Justice Office at The Circle Breakfast at All Nations Church, Minneapolis featuring Diane Wilson (Executive Director, Dream of Wild Health), author of Beloved Child, A Dakota Way of Life and Jim Northrup, prolific writer and poet who has been writing for The Circle Newspaper for 23 of its 31 years.
I learned from the director of development and programs for the Tiwahe Foundation that “Tiwahe” means “family” in the Dakota language, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all living things and one’s personal responsibility to honor family, community and the environment. 70% of students receiving grants for GED, associate or bachelors degree programs are over age 30.
Also at our table was the project manager for Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota
whose mission is to work in collaboration with communities to create equitable, healthful and sustainable futures for all generations.
whose mission is to work in collaboration with communities to create equitable, healthful and sustainable futures for all generations.
I also met two persons from the Minnesota History Center and learned that they preparing an exhibit focusing on the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and its 150th anniversary (2012). 1862 refers to the events known by various names relating to conflicts between Dakota people and white people starting in Minnesota in August 1862, and all that flowed from those events. (http://www.minnesotahistory.net/)
The Circle Newspaper is available in the Justice Resource Room, is highly regarded in the Native Indian Community across the United States, is dedicated to presenting news from a Native American perspective, while granting an equal opportunity to community voices and is a member of the Native American Journalist Association and Minnesota Newspaper Association. (http://www.thecirclenews.org/)
Posted by Ginger K. Hedstrom, Justice Associate
Image above: Photo featuring a window at First Nations Church with images of the Eagle feather, Peace Pipe, Cross, Earth and Thunderbird taken by Ginger K. Hedstrom
