Native America Calling: Land Back victories

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Tuesday, September 12, 2023

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Land Back victories

The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe just took ownership of almost 900 acres of ancestral land in Virginia, thanks, in part, to $3 million in federal funds.

And legislation in Minnesota would transfer a state park to the Upper Sioux Community in a historic act recognizing atrocities committed by state and federal officials against the Dakota people that culminated in the mass execution of 38 Dakota men in 1862.

Those are two examples of a trend in governments, organizations, and individuals facilitating the return of important land to tribal control.

The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe recently reacquired 855 acres of ancestral lands along its namesake Mattaponi River in Virginia. Photo: Cultural Heritage Partners

Guests on Native America Calling

Chief Frank Adams (Upper Mattaponi)

Michelle Vassel (Wiyot), tribal administrator for the Wiyot Tribe

Dr. Amber Annis (Cheyenne River Lakota), director of Native American Initiatives at the Minnesota Historical Society

Scott Roemhildt, regional director for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources southern region