Saturday, July 23, 2011
Soundbites: It's been a long time, but I have been busy.
Soundbites: It's been a long time, but I have been busy.: "It is has been too long since I updated my blog about GOM. I have been busy trying help a sacred site in our area become recognized as a sa..."
It's been a long time, but I have been busy.
It is has been too long since I updated my blog about GOM. I have been busy trying help a sacred site in our area become recognized as a sacred site. It is sacred to us, members of the Dakota community (through my gram) and to the indigenous peoples at large including the Ho-Chunk (through my Choka). It directly relates to my study of GOM and my preparation of my upcoming Fall semester class, "Ways of Knowing." It relates to the aforementioned because it involves oral history verses the dominant society's view of historical records and historical records themselves.
Through oral history the Dakota or Mdewakanton camped along the Zumbro River near now Indian Heights Park. Indian Heights Park is also the highest point in the area for miles. Oral history and cultural tradition indicate that the highest point (Indian Heights Park) was used for sacred ceremonies to celebrate life, honor the Creator and if deemed culturally appropriate it was used to bury their dead. The history of the early settlers in the area notes that there was a group of about 200 Dakota camped near the Zumbro River near Indian Heights Park. This has been recorded in their own newspaper The Rochester Post Bulletin dated 1925, in an article that leads with, "Indian Sacred Burying Ground Here." Other historical records indicate that there were up to 300 Dakota in a village just 6 miles from Rochester in a town that is now called Byron.
You may be wondering, "so what is the disputation?" It all started in 2010 when the Rochester Active Sports Club (RASC) wanted to construct new mountain biking trails in Indian Heights Park. The City of Rochester's Park Board approved of the expansion and RASC went to work. Barb Hudson, President of the Friends of Indian Heights Organization and resident of the nearby park was quite shocked to learn of the events. She stated to me as we visited at a local Dunn Brothers that one day she saw several men removing trees in the park and that other trees were marked with orange ribbons. When she inquired about the removal the men told her that they were removing the trees because they had some type of disease. Soon the neighbors began to talk amongst themselves, contacted the park board and learned about the agreement made between RASC and the Park Board. The community members rallied and appeared before the park board and vented their concerns. The park board was surprised at the community concern because they posted an ad in the Post Bulletin informing the public about their plans to forge a contract with RASC. Maybe you have seen such ads in the classified section of the newspaper. They are in the tiniest font possible and yet can contain critical information.
During the course of discussions a member of the Heritage Preservation Committee, the committee I served in from 2008-09, recalled the story behind Indian Heights Park (the project I started to work on) and said that all plans may need to be halted to explore the possibility of an Indian burial site located within the park. Some of the neighbors formed the Friends of Indian Heights Organization (foih.org) and the park board created a steering committee charged "to review the purpose of the park and develop an overarching plan for the use of the park" Additionally to review and document the history of Indian Heights Park; to conduct and oversee an archeological assessment of Indian Heights Park; to develop options for the use of Indian Heights Park; to evaluate these options and determine the most appropriate; to establish a multi-year development plan for the park; and recommend to the Park Board a long term use plan for Indian Heights Park.
During the steering committee meetings it was apparent that the arduous task placed before them would require seeking information beyond the scope of the members and they began to hear presentations from RASC, FOIH, Dr. Constance Arzigian - a burial mound expert, and environmentalist groups. Yet in all of their presentations they never heard from or requested to hear from a member of the Dakota community. On the steering committee was a man, an Osage man who was the chair of the Native American (archaic term) Center of Southeast Minnesota. Members of the steering committee or I should say some members of the steering committee believed this man to be an actual leader of all of the Indians located in southeast Minnesota. This is so incredibly unbelievable that it is still hard for me to believe it yet alone write it. Nonetheless, the chair of the steering committee said that all issues related to "the native american view" were to be channeled through the Osage man on the committee. Does this sound familiar? Perhaps only to American Indians, so let me explain. This is the same treatment that our ancestors had to suffer through. The early US government viewed the indigenous peoples to be similar and therefore established an "Indian agent" to handle our questions, our need for food, shelter and annuity payments, all which were ignored. Not only was this request made by the chair of the steering committee offensive, but another very real problem surfaced when the Osage man refused help or input from the Dakota community members and didn't want "any outsider coming in and stepping on his turf." He viewed Indian Heights as his "turf" and his "territory." Does this sound familiar? Perhaps only to white or Caucasian peoples, so let me explain. When the early US government, army or businessmen wanted to get something from the indigenous peoples be it land or goods or minerals, they sought out people who they felt would sign away lands or goods or minerals for a pittance. The US government, army of businessmen were often fooled into thinking that these Indian agents (often mixed breeds as they called them) were authorized into thinking that they represented the entire tribe or in some cases Nations. In our case the Indian agent was given authority to sit on a board (the pittance), for a season and who knows what other promises have been made to him. (sic)
Undaunted I wrote an op-ed piece which appeared in the Post Bulletin Newspaper which appeared in print on June 1, 2011, in which I expressed my view that the steering committee process to determine the best use of the park was well intentioned it was also flawed. I used a public forum, since I had no voice at the steering committee meetings, to state that the Dakota perspective was yet to be shared. This caused quite a stir from the steering committee, the park board and from the Osage man. I personally received many compliments about the piece in which I compared Indian Heights Park with the restoration of the State Hospital Cemetery discovery. Not one grave had to be disturbed in order to realize that it was a cemetery (randomly placed headstones in a certain area in Quarry Hill Nature Center). Such evidence was easily recognizable by the dominant society of Rochester. Compare and contrast this to Indian burial sites. Our burial sites need to be probed, dug up or in short desecrated in order to prove that there is indeed a burial site. Our state laws do not readily protect grave sites unless you can prove that there are human remains at the site in question. Since Indian Heights Park was purchased with FEDERAL monies, federal law 106 applies and the state archeologist has ruled that while he is doubtful human remains are still in the area, an archeological survey must be completed before any further development can be undertaken.
After a brief absence from the steering committee meetings (sick children, vacation, busy children, working husband) I returned to a "cold" welcome. You see I attend the steering committees as a concerned citizen thanks to the public meeting laws of our state. An interesting change in rules of the meeting since my absence and op-ed piece now allowed for concerned citizens who were present at the meeting to address the steering committee. I did this and again reiterated my concern about the LACK of Dakota input at these proceedings. The meeting proceeded with the chair requesting that members of the steering committee return next week (July 26th) with up to 5 recommendations regarding what they would want for Indian Heights Park. The meeting adjourned early much to the delight of all in attendance.
After the meeting I was verbally accosted by the Osage man. "What more do the Dakota want to say?" "If the Dakota want to say something they better start talking to me!" Such yelling, cursing, and rantings were sad to see from someone who represents the small Native American Center of Southeast Minnesota (about 30 members, more if you count children). No explanation I gave or could give would satisfy this man as he viewed my op-ed piece, my continued efforts to ensure the Dakota perspective would be presented at the meeting. When I told him that I was working with another woman to have the hereditary chief of the Minnesota Dakota to present at the meeting, the Osage man exclaimed with such ferocity, "Well ____ better start talking to me!" It was blasphemy to my ears. Mr. ____ is a Chief. He is highly regarded by the Dakota Community across Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and I dare say across Indian Country. How dare this man insist that a Chief of the Minnesota Dakota needed to clear his input or channel his input through him. Needless to say I left the meeting, but not before a well-meaning woman who sits on the Park Board and other boards in the City said that I need to trust that things would be taken care of and that if I continued to alienate the board my hope for Indian Heights Park might not be realized. Wow, it was as if I was transported back into time and the point man for the US government telling me to trust the Indian agent that was handpicked to help us receive food, shelter and other goods, but if I continued to say that I was hungry, no to insist that I was hungry and needed shelter and my annuity payments, there would be trouble. Honestly. Does the colonialism ever end? Perhaps thinking that I had limited intelligence she explained that I needed to understand that the Osage man was elected to be over all the Indians in southeast Minnesota and I needed to trust that he would represent the Dakota. It is just like President Obama. When he goes to the United Nations, he represents all of us, in going to war for example. Oh really? I didn't know that. I served on the Human Rights Commission for 15 years and I think I understand my rights and due process. Oh this is true, astounding as it may seem. Thankfully we live in a country where you can express your views no matter how off kilter they may be. Oh, and as for the example of President Obama going before the United Nations about engaging in a war, while he does indeed represent me, a citizen of the US, I have the right to protest, write a letter to express my dismay about going to war if I was opposed to the action. Isn't it wonderful that we live in a country where we can express our many views so long as we do not hurt or oppress anyone.
Undaunted I wrote my concerns the the Chair of the Steering Committee, Friends of Indian Heights and to the well meaning woman on assorted board throughout The City of Rochester to inform them that I was well aware of my rights and hopefully made them aware of the colonial imperialistic methods they had employed. What methods you ask? First, a member of the Steering Committee and a FOIH member sent out letters to the Rochester Ministerial Association requesting their support in recognizing Indian Heights Park as an Indian burial site. I became privy to this mailing from my clergyman. He was kind and asked me what he could do. He will be sending a letter to the park board in favor of recognizing the park as a burial site because he understood my op-ed piece and wanted to support the cause I was engaged in. I asked the Chair of the Steering Committee if the FOIH member had to obtain his permission to send out a letter to the ministers, pastors and so forth of Rochester. I think we both know the answer to that. I also asked if anyone on the committee or citizenry had to voice their concerns through one person and one person only. I think we all know the answer to these questions. It is hard to break free from the colonial, patronizing mind set that Europeans have when it comes to engaging in conversations or collaborating with American Indians. Their linear thinking is at times quite a deterrent in their quest for truth. Still unsettled I made an appointment to see the Mayor of the City of Rochester to voice my concerns about the entire affair. Why the Mayor? This is where I was directed to by the City Attorney who gave me a quick answer to the process I needed to go through to raise awareness that the system employed to derive information regarding Indian Heights Park was flawed and that a member of the steering committee behaved terribly and I now felt threatened. I don't think there is place for cursing, yelling, slamming books down, or raising your hands over your head in a threatening manner.
The Mayor is a kind and friendly man. He was considerate enough to listen to my concerns and took notes! Very impressive. He would talk with the people who witness the altercation and assured me that I can voice my concerns at any public meeting. Does your Mayor do this? Interestingly enough, the Mayor was not fully up to speed on Indian Heights Park and so I happily brought him up to speed. The next day the Mayor telephoned me to let me know that all would be well. Efforts were being taken to work toward recognizing the park as a burial site though nothing was final. Also, the Osage man's aggressive behaviors would be addressed.
Now this brings us to today. I have just completed a mini-presentation that I would like to give to the Steering Committee and to the Park Board. It is at Office Max as we speak. The hereditary Chief of the Minnesota Dakota has given me permission to state the recommendations that he would like we, the Dakota Community who reside in Rochester to present. To be clear, I wrote up the recommendations to him for his approval and blessing. He edited them and gave me some additional instructions which I will address at the end of this post. He referred me to several pieces of vital information that would be invaluable to the board if they were sincere in learning about sacred sites, burial sites and so forth. I have contacted the Park Director to state that I would like to be placed on the agenda for the meeting which is scheduled for August 6th. No word yet. I plan to utilize the open remarks portion of the meeting at the next steering committee meeting scheduled for July 26th to give these recommendations that have been approved by the Chief.
As for the Dakota Community of Rochester. The Chief helped me to see that no one likes to have the truth thrust on them. Truth is not always easy to hear or seek after. The Park Board Steering Committee was doing what they thought was best. They did not want to hear the Dakota perspective because it would be filled with truth, a truth that many people want to forget or acknowledge even if the truth is placed right before them. Such as the historical account written in a newspaper. The Chief is from Santee the same place where my grandmother, Marie Edith Crowe is from. He remembers her quite well. I was reminded that culturally and traditionally I am a member of the Dakota Community of Rochester. I was raised by my gram, a full-blood Santee Dakota, who also raised my aunts and uncles, 9 of them. This makes me a part of the Dakota peoples. This is how the Chief views me. Politically and governmentally, and by dominant society I am an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. My grandfather, Henry T. Decorah was a full blood Ho-Chunk and my gram was my Choka's second wife and while no Dakota blood runs through my veins, culturally and traditionally I am a part of the Dakota Community. How the park board will view me is yet to be determined. While the Chief will continue to be a resource to we, the Dakota Community of Rochester, he is not optimistic that Rochester will do the right thing. Actually he is quite doubtful. Yet, we must try and only then will we know.
Signed,
Valerie DeCora Guimaraes
Enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and member of the Dakota Community of Rochester
Through oral history the Dakota or Mdewakanton camped along the Zumbro River near now Indian Heights Park. Indian Heights Park is also the highest point in the area for miles. Oral history and cultural tradition indicate that the highest point (Indian Heights Park) was used for sacred ceremonies to celebrate life, honor the Creator and if deemed culturally appropriate it was used to bury their dead. The history of the early settlers in the area notes that there was a group of about 200 Dakota camped near the Zumbro River near Indian Heights Park. This has been recorded in their own newspaper The Rochester Post Bulletin dated 1925, in an article that leads with, "Indian Sacred Burying Ground Here." Other historical records indicate that there were up to 300 Dakota in a village just 6 miles from Rochester in a town that is now called Byron.
You may be wondering, "so what is the disputation?" It all started in 2010 when the Rochester Active Sports Club (RASC) wanted to construct new mountain biking trails in Indian Heights Park. The City of Rochester's Park Board approved of the expansion and RASC went to work. Barb Hudson, President of the Friends of Indian Heights Organization and resident of the nearby park was quite shocked to learn of the events. She stated to me as we visited at a local Dunn Brothers that one day she saw several men removing trees in the park and that other trees were marked with orange ribbons. When she inquired about the removal the men told her that they were removing the trees because they had some type of disease. Soon the neighbors began to talk amongst themselves, contacted the park board and learned about the agreement made between RASC and the Park Board. The community members rallied and appeared before the park board and vented their concerns. The park board was surprised at the community concern because they posted an ad in the Post Bulletin informing the public about their plans to forge a contract with RASC. Maybe you have seen such ads in the classified section of the newspaper. They are in the tiniest font possible and yet can contain critical information.
During the course of discussions a member of the Heritage Preservation Committee, the committee I served in from 2008-09, recalled the story behind Indian Heights Park (the project I started to work on) and said that all plans may need to be halted to explore the possibility of an Indian burial site located within the park. Some of the neighbors formed the Friends of Indian Heights Organization (foih.org) and the park board created a steering committee charged "to review the purpose of the park and develop an overarching plan for the use of the park" Additionally to review and document the history of Indian Heights Park; to conduct and oversee an archeological assessment of Indian Heights Park; to develop options for the use of Indian Heights Park; to evaluate these options and determine the most appropriate; to establish a multi-year development plan for the park; and recommend to the Park Board a long term use plan for Indian Heights Park.
During the steering committee meetings it was apparent that the arduous task placed before them would require seeking information beyond the scope of the members and they began to hear presentations from RASC, FOIH, Dr. Constance Arzigian - a burial mound expert, and environmentalist groups. Yet in all of their presentations they never heard from or requested to hear from a member of the Dakota community. On the steering committee was a man, an Osage man who was the chair of the Native American (archaic term) Center of Southeast Minnesota. Members of the steering committee or I should say some members of the steering committee believed this man to be an actual leader of all of the Indians located in southeast Minnesota. This is so incredibly unbelievable that it is still hard for me to believe it yet alone write it. Nonetheless, the chair of the steering committee said that all issues related to "the native american view" were to be channeled through the Osage man on the committee. Does this sound familiar? Perhaps only to American Indians, so let me explain. This is the same treatment that our ancestors had to suffer through. The early US government viewed the indigenous peoples to be similar and therefore established an "Indian agent" to handle our questions, our need for food, shelter and annuity payments, all which were ignored. Not only was this request made by the chair of the steering committee offensive, but another very real problem surfaced when the Osage man refused help or input from the Dakota community members and didn't want "any outsider coming in and stepping on his turf." He viewed Indian Heights as his "turf" and his "territory." Does this sound familiar? Perhaps only to white or Caucasian peoples, so let me explain. When the early US government, army or businessmen wanted to get something from the indigenous peoples be it land or goods or minerals, they sought out people who they felt would sign away lands or goods or minerals for a pittance. The US government, army of businessmen were often fooled into thinking that these Indian agents (often mixed breeds as they called them) were authorized into thinking that they represented the entire tribe or in some cases Nations. In our case the Indian agent was given authority to sit on a board (the pittance), for a season and who knows what other promises have been made to him. (sic)
Undaunted I wrote an op-ed piece which appeared in the Post Bulletin Newspaper which appeared in print on June 1, 2011, in which I expressed my view that the steering committee process to determine the best use of the park was well intentioned it was also flawed. I used a public forum, since I had no voice at the steering committee meetings, to state that the Dakota perspective was yet to be shared. This caused quite a stir from the steering committee, the park board and from the Osage man. I personally received many compliments about the piece in which I compared Indian Heights Park with the restoration of the State Hospital Cemetery discovery. Not one grave had to be disturbed in order to realize that it was a cemetery (randomly placed headstones in a certain area in Quarry Hill Nature Center). Such evidence was easily recognizable by the dominant society of Rochester. Compare and contrast this to Indian burial sites. Our burial sites need to be probed, dug up or in short desecrated in order to prove that there is indeed a burial site. Our state laws do not readily protect grave sites unless you can prove that there are human remains at the site in question. Since Indian Heights Park was purchased with FEDERAL monies, federal law 106 applies and the state archeologist has ruled that while he is doubtful human remains are still in the area, an archeological survey must be completed before any further development can be undertaken.
After a brief absence from the steering committee meetings (sick children, vacation, busy children, working husband) I returned to a "cold" welcome. You see I attend the steering committees as a concerned citizen thanks to the public meeting laws of our state. An interesting change in rules of the meeting since my absence and op-ed piece now allowed for concerned citizens who were present at the meeting to address the steering committee. I did this and again reiterated my concern about the LACK of Dakota input at these proceedings. The meeting proceeded with the chair requesting that members of the steering committee return next week (July 26th) with up to 5 recommendations regarding what they would want for Indian Heights Park. The meeting adjourned early much to the delight of all in attendance.
After the meeting I was verbally accosted by the Osage man. "What more do the Dakota want to say?" "If the Dakota want to say something they better start talking to me!" Such yelling, cursing, and rantings were sad to see from someone who represents the small Native American Center of Southeast Minnesota (about 30 members, more if you count children). No explanation I gave or could give would satisfy this man as he viewed my op-ed piece, my continued efforts to ensure the Dakota perspective would be presented at the meeting. When I told him that I was working with another woman to have the hereditary chief of the Minnesota Dakota to present at the meeting, the Osage man exclaimed with such ferocity, "Well ____ better start talking to me!" It was blasphemy to my ears. Mr. ____ is a Chief. He is highly regarded by the Dakota Community across Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and I dare say across Indian Country. How dare this man insist that a Chief of the Minnesota Dakota needed to clear his input or channel his input through him. Needless to say I left the meeting, but not before a well-meaning woman who sits on the Park Board and other boards in the City said that I need to trust that things would be taken care of and that if I continued to alienate the board my hope for Indian Heights Park might not be realized. Wow, it was as if I was transported back into time and the point man for the US government telling me to trust the Indian agent that was handpicked to help us receive food, shelter and other goods, but if I continued to say that I was hungry, no to insist that I was hungry and needed shelter and my annuity payments, there would be trouble. Honestly. Does the colonialism ever end? Perhaps thinking that I had limited intelligence she explained that I needed to understand that the Osage man was elected to be over all the Indians in southeast Minnesota and I needed to trust that he would represent the Dakota. It is just like President Obama. When he goes to the United Nations, he represents all of us, in going to war for example. Oh really? I didn't know that. I served on the Human Rights Commission for 15 years and I think I understand my rights and due process. Oh this is true, astounding as it may seem. Thankfully we live in a country where you can express your views no matter how off kilter they may be. Oh, and as for the example of President Obama going before the United Nations about engaging in a war, while he does indeed represent me, a citizen of the US, I have the right to protest, write a letter to express my dismay about going to war if I was opposed to the action. Isn't it wonderful that we live in a country where we can express our many views so long as we do not hurt or oppress anyone.
Undaunted I wrote my concerns the the Chair of the Steering Committee, Friends of Indian Heights and to the well meaning woman on assorted board throughout The City of Rochester to inform them that I was well aware of my rights and hopefully made them aware of the colonial imperialistic methods they had employed. What methods you ask? First, a member of the Steering Committee and a FOIH member sent out letters to the Rochester Ministerial Association requesting their support in recognizing Indian Heights Park as an Indian burial site. I became privy to this mailing from my clergyman. He was kind and asked me what he could do. He will be sending a letter to the park board in favor of recognizing the park as a burial site because he understood my op-ed piece and wanted to support the cause I was engaged in. I asked the Chair of the Steering Committee if the FOIH member had to obtain his permission to send out a letter to the ministers, pastors and so forth of Rochester. I think we both know the answer to that. I also asked if anyone on the committee or citizenry had to voice their concerns through one person and one person only. I think we all know the answer to these questions. It is hard to break free from the colonial, patronizing mind set that Europeans have when it comes to engaging in conversations or collaborating with American Indians. Their linear thinking is at times quite a deterrent in their quest for truth. Still unsettled I made an appointment to see the Mayor of the City of Rochester to voice my concerns about the entire affair. Why the Mayor? This is where I was directed to by the City Attorney who gave me a quick answer to the process I needed to go through to raise awareness that the system employed to derive information regarding Indian Heights Park was flawed and that a member of the steering committee behaved terribly and I now felt threatened. I don't think there is place for cursing, yelling, slamming books down, or raising your hands over your head in a threatening manner.
The Mayor is a kind and friendly man. He was considerate enough to listen to my concerns and took notes! Very impressive. He would talk with the people who witness the altercation and assured me that I can voice my concerns at any public meeting. Does your Mayor do this? Interestingly enough, the Mayor was not fully up to speed on Indian Heights Park and so I happily brought him up to speed. The next day the Mayor telephoned me to let me know that all would be well. Efforts were being taken to work toward recognizing the park as a burial site though nothing was final. Also, the Osage man's aggressive behaviors would be addressed.
Now this brings us to today. I have just completed a mini-presentation that I would like to give to the Steering Committee and to the Park Board. It is at Office Max as we speak. The hereditary Chief of the Minnesota Dakota has given me permission to state the recommendations that he would like we, the Dakota Community who reside in Rochester to present. To be clear, I wrote up the recommendations to him for his approval and blessing. He edited them and gave me some additional instructions which I will address at the end of this post. He referred me to several pieces of vital information that would be invaluable to the board if they were sincere in learning about sacred sites, burial sites and so forth. I have contacted the Park Director to state that I would like to be placed on the agenda for the meeting which is scheduled for August 6th. No word yet. I plan to utilize the open remarks portion of the meeting at the next steering committee meeting scheduled for July 26th to give these recommendations that have been approved by the Chief.
As for the Dakota Community of Rochester. The Chief helped me to see that no one likes to have the truth thrust on them. Truth is not always easy to hear or seek after. The Park Board Steering Committee was doing what they thought was best. They did not want to hear the Dakota perspective because it would be filled with truth, a truth that many people want to forget or acknowledge even if the truth is placed right before them. Such as the historical account written in a newspaper. The Chief is from Santee the same place where my grandmother, Marie Edith Crowe is from. He remembers her quite well. I was reminded that culturally and traditionally I am a member of the Dakota Community of Rochester. I was raised by my gram, a full-blood Santee Dakota, who also raised my aunts and uncles, 9 of them. This makes me a part of the Dakota peoples. This is how the Chief views me. Politically and governmentally, and by dominant society I am an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. My grandfather, Henry T. Decorah was a full blood Ho-Chunk and my gram was my Choka's second wife and while no Dakota blood runs through my veins, culturally and traditionally I am a part of the Dakota Community. How the park board will view me is yet to be determined. While the Chief will continue to be a resource to we, the Dakota Community of Rochester, he is not optimistic that Rochester will do the right thing. Actually he is quite doubtful. Yet, we must try and only then will we know.
Signed,
Valerie DeCora Guimaraes
Enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and member of the Dakota Community of Rochester
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