"Taking a 1863 law that bans Dakota and Winnebago Indians from Minnesota off the books is long overdue.

We applaud state Rep. Dean Urdahl for carrying the resolution to repeal the law, and we thank legislators for approving it. This is one action that lawmakers can point to with pride this dismal session.

Now the proposal is in the hands of U.S. Rep. Colin Peterson, who represents the 7th District and its two reservations. If he doesn't act quickly, we encourage Minnesota's other congressional leader who represents two Dakota reservations — John Kline of the 2nd District — to take the lead. No doubt he'd have the backing of our Prairie Island Indian Community."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Repeal hateful ban on Indians (The Republican Eagle 5/30)

Related Stories:
Repeal of 1863 Dakota banishment law weighed (5/29)
Congress urged to repeal Dakota banishment law (5/22)
Law that banished Dakotas in 1863 still on the books (5/15)