Moorhead, Minn.–
The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County presents A Dakota Perspective on the Dakota War of 1862, a presentation by Tamara St. John, October 13th at 2:00 pm at the Hjemkomst Center. Ms. St. John discusses the events leading up to the Dakota-US war and its aftermath as seen through the eyes of the Dakota people. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Tamara St. John is a historian and archivist for the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Historic Preservation Office. She has conducted extensive research on the Dakota-US War of 1862 in particular with the legislation that pertains to the subsequent exile of the Dakota from the state of Minnesota.
“My role as a researcher and archivist has allowed me to access a part of the history that has not been written about or often shared outside of the tribal community,” Ms. St. John said. “[The Tribal Historic Preservation Office] has done some amazing work with the Minnesota Historical Society on the 1862 Exhibit and has made great strides in telling a far more balanced history, one that included the Dakota people and their experience.” Her present ation is drawn from this research and collaborations with various state historical societies.
HCSCC executive director Maureen Kelly Jonason says, "Given that the Dakota people were also victims of violence during this historic event, I think it is fitting to hear from the side that doesn't get much attention. We hope people interested in this topic will leave with new and vital information."
The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County collects, preserves, and presents the history and culture of Clay County and the region. HCSCC also provides interpretation of the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, Hopperstad Stave Church Replica, and hosts traveling exhibits in 7,000 sq. feet of temporary exhibition space. The Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County is a community resource for 210,000 people in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area and serves an average of 40,000 visitors a year from all over the world.
For more information, call 218-299-5511 or visit www.hcscconline.org. The Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County is located in the Hjemkomst Center at 202 First Avenue North in Moorhead.
