Connecting Cultures - Protecting, Restoring, Celebrating Sacred Land
By VIVIAN LaMOORE, EDITOR
A 430-acre parcel of land is being sought after by Sherburne County to turn the land into a park for public use. Sherburne County is currently seeking funding for the project which has an estimated start-up cost of just over $5,000,000 in Phase I. Phases II and III of the project are estimated to cost $7,000,00 with funding to be acquired over the next several years. The County reached out to the various tribes of Minnesota, not for funding assistance, but rather for assistance with identifying the cultural resources and interpretation of the site’s historic significance. The Mille Lacs Band Department of Natural Re- sources has agreed to assist with various cultural aspects of the project.
“What is significant about this project is that Sherburne County came to us, and invited us to the table at the beginning of the project, not seeking financial assistance, but seeking cultural resource assistance,” said Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. “In the past or with other counties, we have only been contacted near the end of a project as somewhat of an afterthought. Here, we will be able to assist culturally, and positively from the very beginning.”
The land is currently owned by a private landowner whose desire is to have the property preserved for public use. This land has a long history that makes the site meaningful to both Dakota and Ojibwe, whose ancestors still rest overlooking the lake. In the 1800s, the land was surveyed for cultural resources with 26 different mound groups identified on the location. Now over time there are only two remaining.
“As land passes through different ownerships, unfortunately, some people do not understand what they are or do not have respect for what they are, or are maybe even in denial of what they are,” said Applegate. “There are many instances where they have been plowed over for agricultural uses, or land was used for other purposes.”
A Phase I archeological survey was done in 2020, finding 846 prehistoric artifacts on 140 acres of the site. It was recommended the parcel be considered part of a “larger cultural district significant to Native Americans over the past several thousand years,” according to Sherburne County.
The area is unique, Applegate explained. History has told the story that Dakota and Ojibwe were often at odds, often fighting over territory. This site appears to be a place of intertribal mingling between Ojibwe and Dakota, where ceremonies were done, where celebrations occurred, and where people were buried.
“Our ancestors chose areas of significant spiritual power to choose for burial sites. This site looks to have those qualities in it,” Applegate said. “It is not a site of war and conflict, but more of a site of peace and spiritual power, ceremonial power, and a place of resting for our loved ones who have walked on.” Sherburne County says that by making the land public, restoring and protecting the land begins a process of healing that recognizes the significance of a former village, burial grounds, and cultural site to those who have called this area their home- lands for thousands of years. Sherburne County is “seeking active partnerships with local tribes interested in the project to explore ways to respectfully steward the land in order to offer meaningful experiences for visitors while preserving the site's sensitive cultural resources.”
Sherburne County invited tribes to attend a meeting in Washington, DC, where they presented the project plan and budget, requesting federal appropriation for $5 million. They are also seeking funding from state departments and the county will also plan to fund a portion. Commissioner Applegate was available to attend the meeting offering cultural assistance.
Being present at the beginning of a project such as this is invaluable to the Band, Applegate explained. Protecting areas of cultural significance and sensitivity is the mission of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office. “We are looking to create a potential partnership with the park,” he added. “Our Tribal Historic Preservation Office could be a manager and advisor on the protection of those areas.”
THPO is very protective of the sites with cultural significance. The wish of Sherburne County is to create interpretive and educational kiosks to make it a cultural experience, connect the cultures, and educating back and forth and showing respect.
It is a unique opportunity for the Band to partner with and collaborate in a respectful way with a county, Applegate said. “Our THPO staff tell us that even after our ancestors have walked on, they are still teaching us each day. This is a prime example of that,” Applegate said. “The mutual respect that is coming out of this is almost like our ancestors are teaching us lessons of respect and thoughtful attention to our history and our ancestors.”
