March 1 Caucus: Support Tribes Access to Legacy Funding; ‘Neither Wolf Nor Dog’ Author to Speak

Regardless of who you are supporting for president, please consider proposing the following resolution supporting Minnesota tribes access to Legacy funding at your DFL precinct caucuses.

The resolution is titled: “The DFL supports equal access of American Indian nations in Minnesota to Legacy Amendment funds, while protecting their hunting, fishing, and other treaty rights.” This proposal comes from our friend, Chris Knopf, who provided the following background and supporting materials.

First, here is a Dec. 15 Star Tribune editorial that lays out the problem. The White Earth Nation had successfully submitted a proposal to the Lessard Sams Council to fund a conservation project, only to see the legislature strip the money out of the final bill last year, the editorial said: “A dubious explanation given — that the project would take the land off property rolls, an objection that hasn’t halted other projects that do the same — raised regrettable questions about bias toward American Indian communities.”

Here is a Draft Resolution. All you have to do is add your name at the top and propose it at your caucus. Here is Fact Sheet on the project.

The DFL caucus system allows anyone attending a precinct caucus to introduce a resolution that can work its way through the process and become part of the state party platform, Knopf said. In order for the resolution to be considered for the state party platform in June, it is necessary to secure support from as many different precincts from around the state as possible.

For more information or with questions, call Chris at 651.999.9565 or email him at christopher.knopf@gmail.com

‘Neither Wolf Nor Dog’ Author to Speak

Kent Nerburn, the author of “Neither Wolf Nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder” will be speaking about his work on Tuesday, March 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at South High, 3131 19th Ave. S. in Minneapolis. A book signing will follow the discussion. The event is hosted by Minneapolis Community Education. It is free and open to the public, but a good will offering is appreciated. For more information contact, Heather Borgman, 612.668.4326 or heather.borgman@mpls.k12.mn.us