Officials mull future of Lower Sioux Agency site

Funds run

out June 30

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

MORTON -- Members of the Minnesota Legislature, Lower Sioux Tribal Council, Redwood County commissioners, Sherman Township supervisors, Minnesota Historical Society officials and others discussed the future of the Lower Sioux Agency Historical Site Wednesday night.

At issue is the Omnibus Lands Bill signed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty on May 29. The bill would give away the 242-acre site to the Lower Sioux Indian Community. The bill would be effective only after resolution approval by Redwood County commissioners and Sherman Township supervisors.

Bill Keyes of the MHS explained that a $4.3 million Society budget cut a year ago hit all departments and initially called for the closing of seven state historic sites as of July 1, 2003. Grassroots fund-raising efforts sprung up for the Lower Sioux site and Fort Ridgely State Park Interpretive Center. Funds raised allow them to remain open on weekends between Memorial and Labor Day.

The Lower Sioux Tribe contributed $84,000 to keep the site open. The Friends of Fort Ridgely raised enough money to keep its interpretive center open for a year and is working on an MHS management agreement.

Several months ago, Lower Sioux Community Council President Ann Larsen wrote a letter to MHS Director Nina Archabal regarding the Tribe's intent to operate the site if the land is transferred.

Larsen wrote that the Community intended to continue current exhibits and programs and encourage participation by other Dakota Communities.

"We all have a stake in the accurate presentation of the history of the Dakota people," Larsen wrote. "Active involvement of other Dakota governments will help strengthen and invigorate the site's exhibits and message."

Larsen said the tribe envisions traditional pottery and beadworkers and quill artisans demonstrating their skills to site visitors. Other plans included a traditional Indian village, camping, canoeing, water-related events, and outdoor theater for storytelling and demonstrations.

Redwood County Commissioner Gene Short said he didn't want to give away the site.

"I know there's money available. We don't have to lock this door," Short said.

Commissioner Robert Kletscher asked Keyes how much it cost to operate the site for the past three years, what it costs to maintain it if it was closed to the public and if it were possible to re-open it if it after five years.

Keyes said it cost about $20,000 to maintain the site if it were closed to the public. He would have to look up the other figures.

Sen. Dennis Frederickson of New Ulm said it would be a mistake to expect state funding increases in the near future.

Kletscher asked Keyes if it would be possible for the Tribe and Redwood County Historical Society to jointly operate the site.

"In theory, yes," Keyes said. "But that wasn't the legislation.

Rep. Brad Finstad, New Ulm, asked why the County and Tribe wouldn't be the best fit.

Tribal Council member Denny Prescott suggested that such an agreement could be hashed out.

"Maybe you have a better plan," Larsen said. If so, we could step down."

Larsen invited anybody interested in knowing more about the issue should call the Tribal Council office.

Short said the discussion will continue at a later date.