Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) might sponsor a bill to repeal an 1863 law that banished the Dakota people from Minnesota.

Peterson is "gathering more information before he introduces any legislation," a spokesperson said. His district includes two reservations

Supporters believe the bill will heal wounds from the Dakota Conflict of 1862 and the mass hanging of 38 Dakota men on December 26, 1862. The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council is backing the effort.

"I do believe it is an act of symbolism and an act that says a lot today about the healing of past wrongs that were committed," said executive director Annamarie Hill, The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

State Rep. Dean Urdahl (R) sponsored HF 1825 to ask Congress to repeal the law. Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) signed the bill last week.

Get the Story:
Law Barring Dakota Bands From Minn. May Be Lifted (WCCO 5/28)
Lawmaker Asks Congress To Repeal Law Banning Dakota Indians From MN And Dakotas (KEYC 5/28)
Minnesota asks Washington to repeal Indian banishment (The Grand Forks Herald 5/29)
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Repeal of 1863 law banishing Dakota Indians from Minnesota would promote healing, supporters say (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/29)

Related Stories:
Congress urged to repeal Dakota banishment law (5/22)
Law that banished Dakotas in 1863 still on the books (5/15)