Susan Allen, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, is making history in Minnesota

Allen, a Democrat, is the first Indian woman in the state House. She is also one of only a handful of Native Americans who have served in the state Legislature.

“It’s about integration, it’s not about assimilation,” Allen told The Twin Cities Daily Planet . “I think it’s important that I reflect the diversity of our community in south Minneapolis. … I realize how important or historic this is in the sense that when young children come to the Capitol and they look at the pictures, they will see somebody who looks like them.”

Allen, 48, won a special election to represent House District 61B.

Get the Story:
Newest House member sworn into office (The Twin Cities Daily Planet 1/23)

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Column: New Indian lawmaker overcame history of exclusion (1/23)
Indian woman wins special election to Minnesota Legislature (1/11)
MinnPost: Indian attorney wins endorsement for state seat (11/15)