Diane Wilson Stepping Down from Dream of Wild Health and Other News and Events

In this blog:

• Diane Wilson stepping down from leadership role at Dream of Wild Health
• 22 Water Protectors plead guilty to disorderly conduct charges for non-violent civil disobedience against Line 3
• Native American Community Clinic seeks donations for 4th Annual Holidays on Franklin
• Opening reception for artists Tamara Aupaumut and Jeremy Pomani at All My Relations Gallery Nov. 16

Diane Wilson stepping down from leadership role at Dream of Wild Health

Diane Wilson, author and executive director of Dream of Wild Health, posted the following announcement on the Minnesota Indian Listserve Friday:

Han Mitakuyepi,

Over the past 20 years, Dream of Wild Health (DWH) has built a strong reputation as a leading organization in food sovereignty work, providing innovative programs that support youth leadership and indigenous foods in the urban Native American community. We celebrate this milestone by recognizing all those who have been part of our success, working together to create a financially stable and dynamic organization. Through recent strategic planning, we also recognize the changing needs of the organization.

Serving Dream of Wild Health for the past 10 years has been an honor and a true labor of love for the beautiful, healing work of this organization. Yet the time has come for me to step aside for new leadership to support Dream of Wild Health into the next phase of its work.

In November, 2018, we will begin a hiring process for a strong, steady leader who will build on our current success by strengthening the infrastructure of the organization, improve the effectiveness of internal systems, and focus on long-term sustainability. I will continue to support the organization through this transition, serving as Executive Director until new leadership is in place. Following an orientation period, I will support the new ED as a consultant to ensure a seamless and energizing transition. …

As Chief Sitting Bull said, “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.”

Pidamaye ye!

Diane Wilson
Executive Director

20 Water Protectors plead guilty to disorderly conduct charges for non-violent civil disobedience against Line 3

On Aug. 29, 26 water protectors blocked a Bemidji intersection for several hours to draw attention to the ongoing threat Enbrige Line 3 poses to the environment and treaty rights. The diverse group included local indigenous leaders, clergy members, staff and volunteers from the Sierra Club and MN 350. (The event was lived streamed into Gov. Mark Dayton’s capitol offices in St. Paul to continue to pressure him to take a stand against the proposed pipeline. Still waiting.)

The water protectors all received a disorderly conduct citation and a mandatory court appearance. On Friday, 22 of the 26 (including the author) appeared in court in Beltrami County; 20 of the 22 plead guilty. Judge Judge The court had anticipated an unruly mob and softened during the proceedings, as each of the 20 people pleading guilty respectfully made statements about why they took the action they did. Judge John G. Melbye started off giving each person a $150 fine but about half way through the proceedings decided to give everyone the option of community service.

Here’s a blog on the event posted on the Facebook Page MN Neighbors Protecting MN Waters. Here’s the write-up in the Bemidji Pioneer. Here is the extended written Line 3 Statement I submitted to the court.

Native American Community Clinic seeks donations for 4th Annual Holidays on Franklin

This kid-oriented event will be held Dec. 14 at the Minnesota Chippewa Building and organizers are looking for support. If you can help, contact Chenoa at 612-843-5927.

Opening reception for Tamara Aupaumut and Jeremy Pomani at All My Relations Gallery Nov. 16

Two Rivers Gallery, 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, is pleased to present the work of two local artists: Tamara Aupaumut and Jeremy Pomani, with an opening reception scheduled for Nov. 16 from 6-8 p.m. Here is the announcement:

Tamara Aupaumut (Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, and Brothertown Indian Nation) Articulated through multiple mediums with an emphasis on painting, Tamara’s work strives to convey, through visual language, deep explorations of life and death, survival and perseverance, and creation and destruction to provoke emotions and spark curiosity, thought, and dialogue.

Jeremy Pomani (Navajo and Chippewa) is an abstract painter, inspired by his travels and family adventures. He is a part of Rise’s Art Speaks program where he works with an art therapist on a wide range of innovative and creative art projects. Rise is a private, nonprofit organization that offers people who have disabilities and other barriers the employment, housing support, and life in the community.

This event is free and open to all ages. Healthy snacks and refreshments provided.