Minnesota: Mdewakanton Tribe Sues For Land Reclamation

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The Mdewakanton Sioux community has filed a lawsuit with the government to reclaim what they say is tribal land.

The tribe says a declaration from the Secretary of the Interior in 1863 set aside a 12-square mile radius of Redwood, Renville and Sibley counties for the Sioux.

A hostile environment prevented them from physically moving to the area at the time.

The Mdewakanton now want the land to establish a reservation. Tribe member Sheldon Wolfchild says what was written 150 years ago means their heirs should inherit the land.

“I know that they’re proud that we’re continuing this battle for the land that they fought for,” Wolfchild said.

The land is currently owned by farmers and the three counties.