The goal of the Dakota History Symposium at Lower Sioux Agency is to reclaim Dakota voice in a narrative that under-represents Dakota perspective and cultural worldview while providing opportunity for exiled Dakota to reconnect to their shared history, disrupting dominant power dynamics that restrict Dakota truth-telling. Hosting a Dakota-led educational event will enhance public understanding, broaden worldviews perspective and increase access to historic truths of the State of Minnesota.
The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) receives collections of American Indian human remains, associated funerary goods, archaeological materials and records in accordance with federal and state laws. The Minnesota Legislature passed the 2015 legacy funding bill with a onetime appropriation of $75,000.00 dollars each year for 2 years to help Indian Affairs Council develop an osteology laboratory and repository.
Elders and youths will engage with each other to instill a sense of value and validation of one another’s skills and abilities. Participants will strengthen their proficiency in the Hmong language and Hmong alphabet through these lessons. Youths will learn basic conversational Hmong words and they will be introduced to the Hmong alphabet. The youths will learn the skills of storytelling, singing traditional songs, and making and creating their own paj ntaub.
