NEWS FROM Nearly 70 people arrested during Advocates hope W.E. wild rice case Tom Jones’ Strong Unrelenting A NATIVE Line 3 protest at Gov’s Residence will boost ‘rights of nature’ Spirits Exhibit opens AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE 40 YEARS OF SERVING THE NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY

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FREE SEPTEMBER 2021 • VOLUME 42, ISSUE 9 FREE New Native Theatre is Native-centered theater Delta variant is surging in . Tribes not immune. BY LEE EGERSTROM eral, given long-time health dis- parities, even though the Native population has the greatest per- nfections, hospitaliza- centage of people getting vacci- tions and deaths from nated. I COVID-19 and its more Native vulnerability comes in contagious delta variant are part because no one in surging again in Minnesota Minnesota lives in an isolated even as vaccination rates vacuum, completely removed increase. Health experts warn from interaction with people the state’s Native population who may be infected and isn’t immune. spreading the disease. Students are returning to As August came to a close, schools and a COVID out- riders who had attended the break already has 290 students Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in quarantined from Albert Lea South Dakota were heading schools. School officials, local home along I-90 through government leaders, retailers Albert Lea and other southern From left to right: Raymond Niu, Alicia Garcia, Christina Woods, Yvette Nolan, Lyz Jaakola, Alicia Smith, and and others are all wrestling with Minnesota cities and counties. Joshua Simpson. (Photo by Rebekah Crisanta de Ybarra.) mask mandates and other pre- The rally was proven to be a BY BRAD HAGEN cautionary measures as the major COVID-19 spreader a coronavirus pandemic picked year ago, and was again sus- up speed during August. or the majority of his- Yazzie cited the theatre system itself as a con- pected to be one this year at the The University of Minnesota tory, narratives involving the tributing factor for why there was a lack of time of this writing. system and the even larger Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island Indigenous people participating in theatre. What’s more, an even larger F Minnesota State system of uni- have been controlled and created by non- “We have these amazing dancers and singers, crowd of people attended the versities and community col- Indigenous people, especially those found on and all these folks who could have done the- just-concluded Minnesota State leges have mask mandates in stage and the big screen. As a result, there has atre, but there just wasn’t a mechanism for Fair in the Twin Cities. place for the start of the new been a great deal of misrepresentation and a them to get into theatre that made them feel Television reports showed mask school year. Most private col- proliferation of stereotypes when it comes to safe, because I think if theatre was safe and use was scarce. Minnesota leges and universities do as well, who we are and what is important to us. Think inviting, how come Native people weren’t Health Department officials and most large Minnesota “What Made the Red Man Red” from Peter actively involved in those hundreds of theatres? may be a week or two away school districts had announced Pan; Think the “Indian Princess” stereotype The whole structure of white American theatre from learning if this became plans for masks and other pro- from Pocahontas; Think the tear rolling down is steeped in white supremacy, which you can another so-called “super tocols for the start of classes. Iron Eyes Cody’s cheek in that anti-littering understand why Native people are kind of like, spreader.” Aggressive efforts by commercial. This is the legacy we’re up against, no thanks. Other large groupings of peo- Minnesota tribes and Native though luckily there are organizations like New “Here in the US, if you see something on a ple are gathering for high community organizations to Native Theatre who are providing a platform predominantly white institution stage, most, school, college and professional promote vaccinations will help for Natives to tell their own stories. if not all the time, that was curated and chosen sports events. These, too, have mitigate the impact of the new New Native Theatre (NNT) was founded in by that white institution. And it’s a really dif- the potential of spreading delta variant in Minnesota, said 2009 by playwright Rhiana Yazzie (Navajo) in ferent experience when a white curator is pick- COVID and especially the Dr. Mary Owen, director of the response to a lack of Native-centered theater ing Native work, because they’re picking it for delta variant that World Health Center of American Indian and in Minneapolis. Having moved to Minneapolis their white audiences, whereas Native theatre Organization (WHO) and Minority Health (CAIMH) for in 2006 on the Jerome Fellowship (a national companies have this kind of mission to center National Centers for Decease University of Minnesota playwriting award), Yazzie wanted to work with Native artists and audiences. The things we do Control and Prevention (CDC) Medical School at University the local Native theatre company. “There’s over at NNT are always focused on the Native audi- scientists know to be especially of Minnesota Duluth. 100 theatre companies in town [Minneapolis], ence first. That’s not to say we don’t want a contagious. “This is critical because and it’s also one of the most vibrant urban non-Native audience, but I’ve found that great In calling for Minnesotans to American Indians have also Native communities in the country, but there work is created when you don’t worry about keep their guard up, Dr. Mark died at higher rates than any wasn’t one. I thought, ‘This is crazy. Just a mile trying to reach non-Native audiences. At the Steffen warned that the other population in the United down the road is the Indian Center. How come end of the day, if the play is a good play, it’ll approved vaccinations won’t States,” she said. there are no Native people doing theatre?’ So be about uncovering the human experience. totally prevent people from get- Owen, a member of the that’s why I started the theatre company.” ting COVID or its variants, but – CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 – Tlingit Nation in Alaska, sees it will prevent serious infections an anecdotal story playing out and greatly reduce hospitaliza- 3 – Opinion: America’s real longest war was 10 – Native Americans in Sports in Minnesota. The state’s tions and deaths. against Indigenous America 11 – Political Matters Native community is more vul- 6 – News Briefs 15 – It Ain’t Easy Being Indian nerable to the pandemic in gen- – CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 – We Are Aging Support services | Housing options | Long-term care planning Medicare & prescription assistance | Caregiver support

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2 September 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org OPINION America’s real longest war was against Indigenous Americans

Left: An 1899 chromolithograph of US cavalry pursing American Indians. (Wikipedia.com) Above: U.S. cavalry attacking an Indian village. (Wikipedia.com)

now the US) to below half a million in the Indian nation or tribe . . . shall be acknowl- 19th century because of infectious diseases, edged or recognized as an independent conflict with Europeans, wars between nation, tribe or power with whom the tribes, assimilation, migration to Canada United States may contract by treaty….” BY MICHAEL MEUERS The newly declared United States of America wasted no time in antagonizing and Mexico, and declining birth rates. Legal historians have tended to downplay rom the Left (Lawrence the native population. They came into In 1871, Congress ended formal treaty- the significance of the 1871 treaty-making O’Donnell of MSNBC) to immediate conflict with the natives starting making with Indians, obliterating a nearly prohibition, arguing that prior Indian F Right (Wall Street Journal) as early as 1775. 100-year-old diplomatic tradition in which treaties remained in force, that the treaty- Agree Today; The global war on terror The are the the United States recognized tribes as making system was merely replaced by isn’t ending, nor was it as long as the United States’ most protracted conflict to nations. bilateral agreements approved by both American Indian Wars. date stretching from 1775, at the beginning Although Congress agreed to honor the houses of Congress, and that the independ- I take issue with the characterization that of the American Revolution, all the way approximately 368 Indian treaties that had ent political status of tribal nations the war in Afghanistan is America’s longest until 1924. These conflicts occurred along- been ratified from 1778 to 1868, Congress remained largely unimpaired. war. America’s real longest war was the side and during all of America’s largest stated unequivocally that “henceforth, no conflict against Indigenous Americans, wars, including the Revolution, the War called the American Indian Wars, which of 1812, the Civil War, and World War I. most historians characterize as beginning The conflicts lasted a year shy of 150 years DEPARTMENT OF INDIAN WORK in 1609 and ending in 1924 or 313 years, and were almost constant for most of the mainly over land control. 19th century. These wars are still the most The colonization of America by English, understudied and underappreciated period French, Spanish, Dutch, and Swedish was of American history. resisted by some Indian tribes and assisted Pick your starting date, no matter. by other tribes. Some might be surprised to learn one of But European settlers came in conflict the last battles twixt US soldiers and with First Nation people from the moment Indigenous Peoples took place right here We’re here they set foot on the shores of North in Northern Minnesota known as the America. From Columbus in the Battle of Sugar Point on the Caribbean to the conquistadors in Central Reservation on January 9, 1918. The to help! and South America, European nations Apache Wars ended in 1924 and brought and First Nation tribes were at odds from the American Indian Wars to a close. Call us to get the very beginning. From 1492 to 1924 The number of Indians dropped from connected to equals 432 years of conflict. an estimated 10 million, (just in what is resources for: • COVID-19 testing, We are helping to build Indigenous Nations • vaccines, MHA Nation Cultural Interpretive Center Mandan Hidatsa & Arikara Nation Duluth • housing New Town, North Dakota Twin Cities Virginia • food,

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http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective September 2021 3 NEWS Nearly 70 people arrested during Line 3 protest at Gov's Residence

MPR NEWS STAFF/MPR NEWS

everal dozen people protesting against the Line 3 oil pipeline S project were arrested on August 28 outside the Governor's Residence in St. Paul. The State Patrol said 69 people were arrested “for several different charges – including disorderly conduct, third degree riot and felony threats of vio- lence.” Authorities said some people were arrested after failing to follow “multiple orders to leave,” while others allegedly tried to chain themselves to the fence and gate. Protest organizers said several hun- dred people took part in a march from the Minnesota Capitol to the Governor’s Residence on Summit Avenue, and said they were there to peacefully protest against the pipeline project in northern Minnesota as well as advocate for treaty rights and Indigenous sovereignty. The people arrested were taken to the Ramsey County Jail. The State Patrol said no one was injured. Above and at right: On August 28th, cops The arrests followed the arrests of arrested over 60 water protectors who were four Line 3 protesters outside the peacefully protesting outside of the MN Minnesota Capitol on August 27th, Governor Tim Walz’s mansion. (Photos by and a Line 3 protest that drew hun- Chris Thao Trinh.) dreds of people to the Capitol on August 25th. Affiliated Tribes from North Dakota Line 3 opponents have been calling who now lives in Seattle, and has spent on Gov. Tim Walz and President Joe months protesting Line 3 – said the cli- Biden to pull permits and shut down mate crisis unfolding across the coun- the project to replace Enbridge Energy's try, from fires to flooding and record existing, aging Line 3 oil pipeline. heat, show that environmental issues The Minnesota portion of the Line impact everyone. 3 project is approaching 90 percent “All these weather events that are def- completion – but those opposing Line initely not normal, and all that money 3 say they’re not giving up. going into oil that’s continual and per- At the August 25th rally, Jaike petual could be going into those green Spotted Wolf – a member of the Three energy projects,” Spotted Wolf said.

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4 September 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective September 2021 5 NEWS U.N. Issues Letter Regarding Violations of Anishinaabe Human Rights he United Nations Committee The letter requests that the U.S. States takes the CERD inquiry seriously vent the devastating impacts that cannot on the Elimination of Racial Government provide information on and meets the deadline for the response. be undone once they occur,” said Kate T Discrimination (CERD) has how it guarantees the right to free, prior, Support for Line 3 from the Biden Finn, Executive Director of First taken the extraordinary measure to and informed consent; prevents adverse Administration and the State of Peoples Worldwide, which filed the peti- request a response from the United impacts of the pipeline on the Minnesota has led to a worsening situ- tion on behalf of Honor the Earth and States regarding allegations of human Anishinaabe and their culture, health, ation for people, water, land and our Giniw Collective. “The letter from the rights violations against the Anishinaabe and environment; guarantees the right sacred wild rice.” Committee plainly articulates the alle- associated with the Enbridge Line 3 to an effective remedy to these rights Since the petition was submitted in gations of rights violations attendant to pipeline construction. violations; and prevents violence against March, over 600 arrests and citations Line 3 and the ways in which the actions On March 29, 2021, Honor the Earth Indigenous women and excessive force have been made to those peacefully of the U.S. Government fail to respect and Giniw Collective submitted a against protestors. protesting the expansion (with some those rights and, in turn, perpetuate Request for Early Warning Measures to Giving focus to treaty rights violations reporting as many as 800), there have racial discrimination.” CERD as part of an international strat- – a first for CERD in engagements with been increased reports of human rights Despite support of the Line 3 project egy to elevate the human rights viola- the U.S. – the Committee also violations and violence against by the Administration and recent affir- tions perpetuated by the U.S. and the requested that the U.S. “provide details Indigenous women around Line 3 con- mation of permits from Minnesota state of Minnesota as to construction on the status of the treaties concluded struction, and a preliminary report from courts, the White Earth Band of Ojibwe of the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline. This between the Anishinaabe indigenous Enbridge shows at least 28 spills during is moving forward a rights of nature law- petition requested immediate interven- peoples and the Government of the construction, affecting 12 river crossings suit to protect the sacred manoomin tion from CERD and detailed the con- United States of America and on meas- with leaks of up to 9,000 gallons. wild rice. tinuing violations of Indigenous ures adopted to guarantee the respect Following a meeting in August with “The construction of these pipelines is Peoples’ rights, including the right to of the rights of the Anishinaabe under the U.N. Special Rapporteur on threatening to burn our wild rice and to free, prior, and informed consent; the such treaties,” specifically usufructuary Human Rights Defenders, Tara destroy our delicate wetlands as we speak. right to health; the right to culture; and rights upheld by the Supreme Court’s Houska, founder of Giniw Collective, This is our land. We have no place to the right to security and to be free from ruling in Minnesota v. Mille Lacs Band stated, “Enbridge threatens Anishinaabe move,” wrote LaDuke in The Hill. “The violence. of Chippewa Indians. CERD asked that cultural survival, the drinking water of new Line 3 pipeline… is going to carry On August 31, CERD published a let- the U.S. respond to its query by October millions, and the public’s trust. Since three times more oil than its predecessor. ter to the U.S. Government dated 15, 2021. the U.S. government is yet again failing While called a replacement, it’s really a August 25, requesting that the U.S. “We are grateful that the United Indigenous people and future genera- new line, torn through the heart of the respond to these allegations. The letter Nations has responded to our request tions, we turn to the international com- Anishinaabe territory that was designated notes, among other things, that these and recognized the incalculable harms munity. The world is watching.” in the 1855 treaty, lands protected by the rights violations would amount to a vio- from the Line 3 expansion to the “When U.S. policy inadequately con- Supreme Court and by U.S. government lation of the International Convention Anishinaabe people, treaty territory and siders the rights of Indigenous Peoples, agreements with our ancestors. Despite on the Elimination of All Forms of the manoomin wild rice,” said Winona international mechanisms such as the this protection, our rivers and rice face Racial Discrimination (ICERD), which LaDuke, Executive Director of Honor UN Committee on the Elimination of a potential threat by the construction of the U.S. has signed and ratified. the Earth. “We hope that the United Racial Descrimination are crucial to pre- Enbridge Line 3.”

Minnesota Supreme The Supreme Court’s decision dis- darkest and most fraught historic The new guideline was announced mayed the opponents, who cited the moments. The brutal assault left more in a stadium policy and protocol Court delivers blow to impacts of climate change being felt than 200 Arapaho and Cheyenne peo- update ahead of the 2021 season, Line 3 opponents around the world and the drought in ple – mostly women, children and eld- which also included new rules on AP – In August, the Minnesota Minnesota. They have long argued that erly – dead. mask-wearing, tailgating and cashless Supreme Court declined to hear an the replacement Line 3 violates treaties Evans’ proclamation was never law- payments. appeal by opponents of Enbridge and threatens waters where wild ful because it established treaty rights The team, which has undergone sev- Energy’s Line 3 oil pipeline, letting rice grows, and that the oil it carries will and federal Indian law, Polis said at eral changes since last year to rid itself stand a key decision by independent reg- aggravate global warming. the signing of his executive order on of its controversial and offensive ulators to allow construction on the “The rights of a Canadian corporation the Capitol steps. Native American stereotypes, includ- project to proceed. continue to prevail over the laws of “It also directly contradicted the ing a name drop and logo change, said Without comment, the state’s highest nature and the human rights of Colorado Constitution, the United the changes are to provide “a safe and court declined to take the case, issuing Anishinaabe people,” Winona LaDuke, States Constitution and Colorado crim- enjoyable gameday experience, and a one-page order that effectively affirmed executive director of the Indigenous inal codes at the time,” the Democratic the best possible fan experience, for a decision in June by the Minnesota based environmental group Honor the governor said. all guests at FedExField.” Court of Appeals. And it left the Native Earth, said in a statement. “It’s a sad Polis stood alongside citizens of the “We are excited to welcome everyone American and environmental groups day.” Southern Ute, Ute Mountain, back wearing their Burgundy & Gold,” that have been protesting at construc- Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, many the policy stated, adding that Native tion sites across northern Minnesota Colorado governor voids dressed in traditional regalia. Some held American-inspired attire would not be with a dwindling number of legal 1864 order to kill Native signs reading “Recognize Indigenous allowed. options. knowledge, people, land” and The team is still in search of a new The Court of Appeals declared that Americans “Decolonize to survive.” identity after dropping its former con- By Patty Nieberg/AP – Colorado the state’s Public Utilities troversial name. In a statement on July Gov. Jared Polis on August 17th Commission correctly granted 12, team President Jason Wright rescinded a 19th century proclamation The Washington Football Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge a cer- nixed the name Warriors and said the that called for citizens to kill Native Team has banned Native tificate of need and route permit for team’s new name would have “no ties Americans and take their property, in the 337-mile Minnesota segment of American headdresses to Native American imagery,” follow- what he hopes can begin to make Josie Fischels/MPR News – The what’s a larger project to replace an ing conversations with Native amends for “sins of the past.” Washington Football Team will no aging crude oil pipeline built in the American leaders. The 1864 order by Colorado’s sec- longer allow fans to wear “Native 1960s that can run at only half capac- The Washington Football Team’s pre- ond territorial governor, John Evans, American inspired” dress inside its ity. The court also backed the commis- season began in August. sion’s approval of the environmental would eventually lead to the Sand home stadium, including headdresses review for the project. Creek massacre, one of Colorado’s and face paint.

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http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective September 2021 7 “New Native Theatre” continued from cover Yazzie continued, “I mean, there’ll be cultural nuances for sure, and yeah, non- Natives will have to catch up some with some of the lingo and colloquialisms, but for the most part, we’ve all had to do that when stepping into a white museum, right? Most of us don’t know what cubism and surrealism is when stepping into those spaces, so we look it up. I don’t think it’s too much to ask that of people.” NNT’s upcoming production is The Unplugging by respected playwright Yvette Nolan (Algonquin). This post- apocalyptic play is set in a world where electricity has stopped flowing, render- ing modern technology useless, and fol- lows two women who have been exiled from their community because they are no longer of child-bearing age. It’s a Left: Christina Woods, Alicia Garcia, and Raymond Niu. (Photo by Rebekah Crisanta story of returning to traditional ways de Ybarra.) and remembering ancestral knowledge. Above: New Native Theatre founder Rhianna Yazzie stated that this play, like most Yazzie. (Photo courtesy the NNT website.) of the work they produce, has a healing component to it. “Native people never Native audiences always have access and get to see other Native people on stage. can see the show,” Yazzie stated. We never get to see our stories reflected Tickets are pay-what-you-can with the back. And usually, Native stories are that space is going to be a healing and indigenous gardening practices, and suggested price of $35. Audiences can always centering characters that main- celebratory act. It’s been a year and a even auntie life-hacks. buy tickets at https://unplugging.brown- stream America doesn’t like, like for half since we’ve been able to get together Due to the ongoing pandemic, NNT papertickets.com. instance, two older women.” and do theatre, so it’ll be a time to finally is taking measures to ensure the safety For questions and ticket info, email The play will be performed on the old come back and be in community.” of everyone present at the performance. [email protected]. The Migizi communications grounds, which Leading up to the production, NNT As such, the play will be held outdoors Unplugging will run everyday from burned down during the George Floyd has been hosting a summer workshop and attendance will be capped at thirty September 9th to September 19th at protests last summer, an intentional series focused on food sovereignty and people per showing. Tickets prices are 2:00pm. For more information on choice that Yazzie says also fosters a indigenous cultural lifeways such as wild “pay what you can” with a suggested NNT, The Unplugging, and tickets, sense of healing. “Producing the play in rice harvesting, fish skin tanning, and price of $30. “We do that to ensure that visit: https://newnativetheatre.org.

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8 September 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org “Delta variant” continued from cover He is a vice president and chief med- Minnesota Medical School, sees all this ical officer at Blue Cross and Blue as a threat to Native health in Minnesota Shield of Minnesota, the largest health despite success with vaccination rates. insurance provider in Minnesota for 2.9 The delta variant is showing up million people. American Indian children, she said. “While breakthrough cases of Vaccines are slowly coming on line for COVID-19 are rare (currently less than especially young children. Health offi- 1 percent) there is legitimate concern cials project that vaccines for children that those who are vaccinated and still under age 12 may begin by mid-winter. become infected with COVID-19 may Also now just coming on line are spread the virus, even if they don’t booster shots for people with compro- become seriously ill,” he said in a mes- mised immune systems. This, too, will sage to policy holders. be a big help in holding delta at bay, “At this time, with the dramatic rise Owen said. in cases we are seeing, a multipronged “We know the effectiveness of any vac- approach is needed. Whether vaccinated cine decreases with time and that the or not, if you become infected with the booster will increase the vaccine effec- delta variant, you may have a lot of virus tiveness by increasing COVID antibod- in your body – particularly in your nose ies in our bodies by 9-10 fold,” she said. and throat – and studies show that due No one in the state or at the federal to the sheer amount of virus, it’s easily level is flat-out predicting where this is passed on to others.” leading us in the months ahead, or if This has health officials all calling for there is another COVID variant around getting vaccinated, wearing masks in the corner and ready to pounce. public settings, and practicing social dis- This, too, has Dr. Owen concerned as tancing going forward – the same pre- Hot stops for Covid in Minnesota as of August 28th, 2021. Graph is from the Mayo Clinic she sees opposition to masks and pre- vention efforts encouraged for the past website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/map/minnesota. cautions. year and a half. play isn’t easy. measures, it is a political statement for “Unfortunately, a basic public health Hospitals reported in late August that School boards and school officials freedom although not expressed as a measure has been politicized and the beds and healthcare providers are under have faced serious opposition to mask- God-given or constitutional right to end result is greater spreads of a disease stress. This isn’t just from increased ing policies as they prepared for the new infect others. For others, it is simply an that has killed hundreds of thousands cases of COVID; delayed health care for school years – from kindergarten on up indifferent inconvenience. And still oth- people, with the impact highest among other needs during the past year of the through graduate schools. Local govern- ers are influenced by misinformation American Indians, African Americans, pandemic is bringing an upsurge in peo- ment leaders face similar resistance to about the vaccines and the disease Latinx, impoverished and all under- ple needing hospital attention. safety measures. widely spread in social media venues. served populations,” she said. Struggling with the various issues at For some opponents of prevention Dr. Owen, at the University of

http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective September 2021 9 P ROFILES: NATIVE AMERICANS IN SPORTS – BY DAN NINHAM Robert McClain Jr.: Red Lake’s first NCAA D1 male basketball player obert McClain Jr., 22, is an enrolled member often talking about our faith and keep telling me to of the Muscogee Creek Nation and descen- coach hard and keep my head up.” R dant of the Red Lake Ojibwe. He is a former “Rob and his family decided that since he earned student-athlete of University of Texas Rio Grande his Associate Degree and now his Bachelor’s degree Valley (UTRGV) and recently graduated with his that it was time to move on from basketball and start degree in Multi-disciplinary Studies. working,” said Jai. “I know Rob will be a successful “When COVID started I was at school getting ready leader of young people. He has shown the abilities to play in my first D1 conference tourney,” said to handle school, sports, adversity and continue to Robert. “Sadly due to the outbreak it was cancelled. shine,” added Jai. I was back home on the rez from March to August “I would hire Robert McClain Jr. to my coaching until they had plans in place for us to return safely staff,” said Jai. “Rob will make a great teacher, leader back to campus.” and/or coach going forward. I am truly proud and “I’m proud to say I made it through and graduated honored to have recruited and coached Robert from the school that gave me a chance to live out my McClain Jr.” dream as a D1 basketball player,” said Robert. “Being with Rob for two years made me feel good “Rob played for us the past two years at UTRGV,” that the future of this world is in good hands,” said said Jai Steadman, former assistant and interim head Luke McKay, former assistant coach at UTRGV and coach at UTRGV. “I went to watch Rob play at current head coach, Neosho County Community United Tribes Community College where he became College. “Beyond his athletic ability and mental tough- a Junior College All-American.” ness on the court he consistently demonstrated an “I met with his coach and family and then recruited empathy and compassion for others beyond his years.” Rob to play for UTRGV,” said Jai. “Rob is competi- “While he was an intense competitor on the court tive, driven, hard playing, and an athletic-type player and a player that would put his body on the line to that would fit into UTRGV and former head coach help his team, it was clear that his true passion and Lew Hill style of play. Coach Hill and I wanted tough calling was helping other young people who come aggressive, defensively-minded student athletes.” from a similar background to him,” added Luke. UTGRV head coach Lew Hill passed away tragically “He is definitely going to change the world for the on Feb. 7, 2021 at the age of 55. better,” added Luke. “Rob was such a leader both on and off the court Robert is back home on the Red Lake Reservation the team often looked up to him,” said Jai. helping out where he can. He was involved with teach- “Sometimes I would be down and Rob would pick ing and coaching multiple sports this past summer me back up and talk to me and keep things positive, and enjoyed it very much.

Robert McClain Jr. with basketball on the court. (Photo by Dale Pine Jr.)

“Working with youth is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Robert. “This past summer was great to reconnect with him,” said Chris Jourdain, longtime Red Lake youth sports coach. “I was happy to hear what he experi- enced down in Texas and proud of his accomplish- ment of getting his degree.” “He’s very intelligent, with a good head on his shoul- ders, a sense of direction with where he wants his life to go and the idea of giving back to his community,” said Chris. “I often remind the athletes I work with as a middle school and elementary coach about the work ethic he had. He wasn’t just gifted his athleticism and skills. He earned them through the same drills that they’re doing,” added Chris. United Tribes head coach Pete Conway and Juco Advocate recruit exposure owner Brandon Goble were significant to Robert’s growth. “Without those two believing in me and giving me opportunities to showcase my talent I would not be where I am today,” said Robert. “I hope one day I can be as great as they are as help- ing young athletes reach their dreams and goals,” added Robert.

10 September 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org POLITICAL MATTERS: Native Issues in the Halls of Government – by Mordecai Specktor [email protected]

‘Reservation Dogs’ Resistance to Line 3 We’ve been enjoying the new comedy On Aug. 25, I drove down I-94 to the series “Reservation Dogs,” which is Minnesota Capitol for the Treaties No t streaming on Hulu. Created by Sterlin Tar Sands rally. Among the 2,000 folks Harjo (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma) in attendance were the Treaty Walkers and Taika Waititi (né Cohen), a popular from Camp Firelight, near the headwa- filmmaker (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “Jojo ters of the Mississippi River. They Rabbit”) who is Te Whanau-a-Apanui walked the 256 miles from Up North, (New Zealand), on his father’s side and joined on their walk by many supporters Jewish on his mother’s side. in the Twin Cities. The show focuses on Native teenagers Calgary-based Enbridge, Inc. is com- on an Oklahoma re servation; and it was pleting its $2.9 billion U.S. portion of filmed entirely in Oklahoma. The irre- the Line 3 Replacement Program, which pressible young Native actors are won- will swap out an aging 34-inch pipe with derful. And the humor derives from a new 36-inch pipe to shoot oil from the mundane life on the rez and the quirky Alberta tar sands to a facility in personalities of the characters. Superior, Wisc. Most of the Line 3 It occurs to me that most people in replacement, 337 miles, is in Minnesota. this country have no personal acquain- The water protectors and others tance with American Indians, actual liv- protesting the Line 3 replacement say ing and breathing people, so this show that the new route of the pipeline will be a revelation to those who know despoils and endangers lakes, streams, Natives only from secondhand sources rivers and groundwater. The group from that convey an ideologically filtered, or Camp Fi relight point to six “frac outs,” romanticized, overlay. spills of a drilling mud compound used I’m looking forward to upcoming in boring under waterways. episodes of this critically acclaimed TV And there is also an existential argu- series. ment against Line 3: the climate crisis, which will be exacerbated by more burn- In the museum ing of fossil fuel. I was traveling again in August. Not In his talk at the Aug. 25 rally, Sam to Europe, but to Cincinnati for a family Strong, secretary of the Red Lake wedding (twice postponed last year due Nation, raised the concern about Line to COVID). Among the Queen City’s 3 and climate change, noting that smoke attractions is the National Underground drifting down from forest fires raging in Railroad Freedom Center (freedomcen- Canada (and now in northern ter.org), a monumental museum that Minnesota) forced his children to shelter tells the story of the Atlantic Slave inside their house for a week: “My chil- Trade, which brought 11 million dren were not allowed to go outside and Africans in chains to these shores; the play. This is a direct result of the actions Underground Railroad, which brought of humanity.” some of those suffering in slavery to free- And Strong called on everyone to carry dom in the northern states and Canada; an urgent message to their friends and the abolitionist movement; and related family, “to carry the message that we historical events, including exhibits on need to change the way we interact with the situation of Native nations in the the nature around us.” early years of the United States and in As I’ve mentioned previously, the the era of Manifest Destiny, as the set- Enbridge Line 3 pipeline protesters have tlers moved westward. been met by police repression, which is Of course, we know something about funded in part by Enbridge, Inc. the , the dispossession of Investigative journalist Alleen Brow n East Coast tribes to , has written articles over recent months which is now known as Oklahoma. for The Intercept (theinte rcept.com) Howeve r, the Freedom Center offers about the strong ties between Enbridge insights into the historical cross-currents and law enforcement agencies. and rivalries among European powers In a must-read article published Aug. that the tribes had to navigate in the 18th 27 (bit.ly/Line3-repression), Brown and 19th centuries. Many prominent wrote: “Line 3 opponents have long Native leaders are profiled in the raised concerns about payments made exhibits, which promote a nuanced view to law enforcement by Enbridge to cove r of this land’s development. pipeline-related policing. A special Amid the kerfuffle over the teaching account set up by the state of Minnesota of Critical Race Theory (CRT), it’s has distributed $2.3 million in Enbridge important that students, and all of us, funds to public safety agencies so far. know the real history of the U.S.A., The records shed new light on the level which is bound up in chattel slavery, and of close coordination between law the dispossession of Native peoples, who enforcement agencies and the Canadian are dealing with continuing depreda- oil company to police the Indigenous- tions from the dominant society. led movement to stop Line 3.”

http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective September 2021 11 ENVIRONMENT Advocates hope White Earth wild rice case will boost 'rights of nature'

BY DAN GUNDERSON/ MPR NEWS

ale Greene grew up in north-central Minnesota, surrounded by wild rice, called D manoomin in the Ojibwe language. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe member says wild rice is an impor- tant part of Anishinaabe history and culture. “One of the things that I think is really important in understanding manoomin, and its importance to us today, is understanding that there's a creation story,” said Greene. The story recounts how Ojibwe people migrated to Minnesota from the East Coast to fulfill a prophecy that they would find food growing on the water. That food was manoomin, or the “good berry,” and it sus- tained generations of Ojibwe. “It’s the the reason that we’re still here. It’s much more than just a plant,” said Greene. In 2018, the White Earth Band of Ojibwe formally recognized the rights of wild rice, setting the stage for the current lawsuit against the DNR. The suit in tribal court against the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources contends a water His canoe almost completely hidden in wild rice, Bruce Martineau poles to the shore of Deadfish Lake on the Fond du Lac use permit for the Enbridge Energy Line 3 pipeline reservation in northeast Minn. on Sept. 5, 2017. Dan Kraker | MPR News 2017 puts wild rice at risk. The White Earth case is thought to be the first to be Bands, also recognized the rights of wild rice. Greene is providing life to us. It just makes perfect sense that brought before a tribal court. The DNR responded by a member of the Treaty Authority Board. He’s also listed it's a living, providing, spiritual being, in the form of challenging the tribal court’s jurisdiction in a federal court as an expert witness in the White Earth lawsuit. water or food.” filing. There’s a hearing in that case in September. It’s logical to give rights to plants, animals and the natural In 2016, the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin The DNR said it is “committed to ensuring the com- world, said Greene, because the Ojibwe world view holds adopted a resolution that said ecosystems have inherent plaints are addressed in the appropriate legal venue” that everything in nature is a spiritual being, and there is rights including the “right to exist and thrive.” but would not comment on the specifics of the case. an acknowledged relationship with humans. In 2018, the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma approved a The 1855 Treaty Authority, consisting of several Ojibwe “I sometimes call it a covenant,” he said. “They’re law granting broad rights to nature, including the right “to a climate that is habitable, supports life, sustains culture, and is not disrupted by humans.” At least three other tribal nations have since adopted some form of rights of nature laws. A few communities across the country from Florida to California to Colorado have also given rights to waterways and ecosystems. Recognizing the rights of nature is a relatively new movement. In South America, Ecuador ratified a rights of nature constitutional amendment in 2008. Bolivia and Uganda passed laws defining the rights of nature. But the movement has gained traction more slowly in the United States. “The movement really is pretty young compared to other rights-based movements, so I imagine in the coming years we’ll see more enforcement in the courts,” said Grant Wilson executive director with the Colorado-based Earth Law Center. “In the United States we’re starting to see this in a few cases, including in this current case involving wild rice.” Wilson has worked on a number of rights of nature cases. He said the idea represents a significant shift for traditional U.S. law under which nature is considered property, without rights afforded to people.

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12 September 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org Aaron Thompson and Will Gagnon pull their way across Hole-in-the-Day Lake north of Brainerd, to harvest wild rice on Aug. 28, 2015. (Photo by Vickie Kettlewell/MPR News 2015.)

“The grassroots effort towards the rights empower other tribes and communities of nature is changing paradigms, is chang- and governments to advance rights of ing people’s understanding of our relation- nature cases in other court systems as well, ship to nature, and I hope will soon result which would really be a boon to the move- in some very powerful legal victories in the ment.” courts,” said Wilson. The courts aren’t the only avenue for rec- Those victories might be difficult to ognizing the rights of nature, said Wilson We are a achieve since federal and state laws often who sees a nascent movement in several preempt local rights of nature laws. states to enshrine the rights of nature in Wilson is hopeful tribal nations will have the state constitution. more success enforcing those laws because He predicts that in 10 years the rights they are sovereign nations, and less subject of nature will become a mainstream to state or federal preemption. idea, both socially and legally. He said many in the movement are closely watching the White Earth case. Minnesota Public Radio News can be heard “I think a success there would also on MPR’s statewide radio network or online. FREE MENTAL HEALTH for good.

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http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective September 2021 13 ART Tom Jones’ Strong Unrelenting Spirits Exhibit opens at Bockley Gallery

Left: Raymond Goodbear, 2019, 40 x 60 inches, digital photograph with beadwork, by Tom Jones. Above: Robin King, 2020, 50 x 40 inches, digital photograph with beadwork, by Tom Jones.

ockley Gallery will have an exhibition of effortlessly weds past cultural modes of representation collections, including those of Microsoft Corporation, Native artist Tom Jones’ work from his with present ones to explore identity and geographic place. Redmond, WA; the Minneapolis Institute of Arts; the B recent portrait series Strong Unrelenting His subjects wear a mix of contemporary and traditional Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, Santa Fe; the Spirits, shown earlier this year at the Institute of dress, and range in age and identity from an infant to an National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM. elder, a Marine Corps veteran to a young male drum Institute, Washington, D.C.; the Nerman Museum, Each of the nine digital photographs on view is a vivid dancer in full regalia, a little girl grasping feathers to a Kansas City, MO; Polaroid Corporation, Waltham, exploration of Jones’ Ho-Chunk identity. His subjects handsome tattooed man wearing overalls. Viewed collec- MA; Tamarind Institute, Albuquerque; and, the look directly into the camera lens with a steady gaze, or tively, Jones’ portraits create a narrative of Ho-Chunk Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota- just slightly away, thus implicating the viewer in their lives. identity that reveals its beauty and complexity. Duluth. Jones has embellished the black ground of each portrait Jones, 57, has been teaching at the U of Wisconsin since Bockley Gallery represents artists from across with designs made from beads, thus animating and deep- since 2005 and is now a full professor in the art depart- Minnesota and North America, including Native ening the cultural texture of his work. ment. He has a Master of Fine Arts in both Photography American Artists Andrea Carlson, Jim Denomie, and “I extend the boundaries of photography by incorpo- and Museum Studies from Columbia College, Chicago, the estate of George Morrison. rating beadwork directly onto the photograph. The use IL. He has received numerous awards and residencies, The gallery is located in Minneapolis’s Kenwood of Ho-Chunk floral and geometric designs is a metaphor and his work has been featured in dozens of solo and neighborhood. Exhibit will run from September 1 for the spirits of our ancestors who are constantly looking group exhibitions, and has been the subject of numerous through October 16. Gallery Hours are Tuesday over us,” states Jones. published reviews. through Saturday, noon to 5 pm. Jones further explains the inspiration for incorporating Jones’ work is found in corporate, private and public For more info, see http://www.bockleygallery.com. beadwork into his portraits. “As a child, I went with my mother to see a Sioux medicine man on the Rosebud reservation. We sat on the floor along the walls with many FOR RENT other people, when the lights were turned off the women ADVERTISE Find your new home with At Home Apartments. started to sing. They were asking for the spirits to come ONLINE WITH Call 651-224-1234 or visit AtHomeApts.com for an in, it was at this time that small orbs of light began to float THE CIRCLE around the room. I have visually incorporated this expe- apartment or town home. Equal Housing Opportunity. rience through beadwork, in order to give a symbolic rep- resentation of our ancestors and to present the pride, FULL WIDTH BANNERS strength and beauty of my people.” FULL WIDTH TOP OF PAGE In Strong Unrelenting Spirits, Jones, who is a Professor $250 PER MONTH Westonka Estates of Photography at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, (1800 W X 150 H PIXELS) 2461 Commerce Boulevard Mound, MN 55364

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14 September 2021 The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective http://www.thecirclenews.org IT AIN’T EASY BEING INDIAN – BY RICEY WILD sjdfzxjmeAipunbjm/dpn

where did that come from?” I sez to American Experiment had no good not want to take it off; I remember me. Then I looked about for the years at all. It took genocide and slav- clearly standing on the hill we lived offending matter, and here it turns ery to build up a white man’s fantasy on and looking at Lake Superior, my out it came off the floor! I was globe, wherein they are the masters ancestral land. I knew the ancestors appalled! My helper had not come by of all. were there with me in the moment. for two weeks and stuff here got a bit Like, all of what? Ya mean that toilet They are why I am, and have wicked sticky. paper with numbers on them? When plans to decimate white supremacy as It was not her fault, someone was everything good is extinct will they it is and will pass on with a smug supposed to call me and let me know. chew money with hoarded red wine smile on my face. Because, y’all didn’t Someone left a ghost voice mail on vinegar? Just wondering. I want them win: WE ARE STILL HERE. my non-existent voice mail. Sigh. to stay in their little stank holes and Big talk? Sure. But look what the However, I gave up after a nurse visit just maybe...regret their capitalistic Taliban have done to three so-called and the next day I made an appoint- religions. (hahahhhaahhahaaaa!!!!) I super powers. I laugh. In fact, while ment with my provider because I can- hope they like SPAM. As for myself, I don’t share their ideals I applaud not go on the way I am now. Oh, I I had wanted to be cremated but now their resistance to western so-called still have my sass and silly cynicism, I want to die on an ice flo for polar democracy. Think of me what you but my body? Naw. bears to eat. Cycle of life, ennit? will, empirical aspirations and domi- So I’m sitting here and wondering; I do try to not complain about my Speaking of the cycle of life my nation don’t last. How did we get here? Kinda like a physical limitations but I still do, to granddaughter Dani had her 6th I apologize, this is in my head right rock that hit shore and ended up in whomever I can capture with my birthday and is excited about going now as I listen to crickets on the Rez. someones’ pocket for nostalgia. Sort woes. Turns out I’m not the only per- back to school. Her voice is a delight It is a beautiful, calm August night of. I remember reading that actions son suffering such pains, oh no! to me, her presence is a gift to all who and I am blessed to be on my have reactions (dah!), so here I sit When I talk about my trials and tribu- know her. Ya, I am well aware of yooz Rezberry. I am gonna try and focus watching the world’s reactions to the lations, then they tell me about theirs! adorable, amazing grand babies but on the good that is still left us. Ya, collective damage we have done. I can *eye roll*. Well, then I’m not such this one is mine. I can’t wait to hold but there are humans out there who blame myself until the raccoons come bad company at all. Sorry that I can’t her in my arms again. She is the One. wanna mess with that. Let them. home but I prefer to eviscerate all cor- relate anything funny; it’s just not It is for her and her sister that I You know who you are ennit? That rupt governments, which they all are. there. fight on for when nothing else could is what we need right now, people So anyways, I was rolling about my Truth is I am watching the fall of make me think otherwise. Both are speaking up, some of whom were too house and my walker was making an empire in which I reside. That is beautiful Indigenous girls who will timid to do so before. I have a lot of weird sounds. If it was a car, I would a given. My heart does go out to the grow into their powers. When I was friends who are doing that right now have checked the Injun light. Mildly Water Protectors and Warriors for about seven years old I was in a just by having gardens. BTW-I love puzzled, I saw that the front wheels healthy lands to support good people, parade in Duluth, MN, wearing a bor- zucchini. were all choked up with gunk. “Now meaning us, not the U.S. The rowed tanned dress and mocs. I did

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http://www.thecirclenews.org The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective September 2021 15