DNR steals oyate's fish in false perception of 'law,' enacting colonizor's agenda, disrespects original people once again

Friday morning May 13th, one day before the state-legitimized  fishing opener, members of the Dakota oyate (nation / people) and allies gathered at Cedar Lake to go fishing.  The atmosphere was pleasant as traditional nets were cast by members of the oyate.  A fire was burning, the smell of wood smoke in the air.  Songs were sung as fish were pulled in.  .

No one was hostile.  That is, until four men in green uniforms with patches naming them "conservation" officers arrived.  All carrying guns these "conservation officers" ticketed six people (all of the oyate nation) and took the live fish.  They then bagged the fish up to freeze them, with the intention of turning them over to the injustice system as "evidence."  What crime was committed?  The "evidence" and citations will go to the Hennepin county prosecutor, according to one "conservation" officer.  He said the courtcase is expected to be "long and drawn out."

Tribal chairman of the Mendota Mdewakonton Dakota community* Jim Anderson said the Dakota are practicing their inherent rights that evolved over thousands of years.  He said their ancestors worked hard to keep the traditions alive and preserve them for the next generation even when they had to do it underground.  The oppression of these rights and thereby the people continue today.

The fishers were partaking in traditional lifestyle ways, inherent in their biology and their being.  An 1805 treaty cites these rights as being recognized by law.  The treaty is obviously not enforced but is actively sabotaged.  Allies were asked to be there to bear witness. 

Call your legislators to tell them to respect the inherent and treaty rights of the original people.  The DNR would not be a bad place to start either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfCmEXOMovg

*Anderson is involved in another case in dakota county for disputing the city's entitlement to turn a long-standing community building into a parking lot.  Court is this week on Thursday