MPR: Dakota activists stage fishing protest in Minnesota

Friday, May 13, 2011  

"A small group of Dakota activists say it is exercising its legal rights by fishing in Minneapolis' Cedar Lake Friday -- one day before the walleye fishing opener.

Chris Mato Nunpa, a retired professor of Dakota studies at Southwest Minnesota State University, hopes to be arrested while fishing at Cedar Lake. He wants to use an early 19th century treaty as a legal defense and perhaps set a precedent of enforcing treaties.

In 1805, young army officer Zebulon Pike negotiated a deal that allowed the United States to set up a military post in what is now the Twin Cities. In return Pike gave the Dakota Sioux presents and whiskey and promised them free use of the land.

"Both native and non-native scholars say there's over 400 plus treaties that were made between the indigenous people and the United States government," said Nunpa. "And the United States government has violated every one of them.""

Get the Story:
Dakota activists to use 1805 treaty to fish at Cedar Lake before opener (Minnesota Public Radio 5/13)

Also Today:
Dakota will net Cedar Lake (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/13)