Chief Ernest Wabasha, of the Mdewakanton Tribe in Morton, Minnesota

Melanie and I traveled to southwestern Minnesota to visit with her good friends, Chief Ernest Wabasha and his beautiful  wife, Vernell, at the Dacotah Ridge golf club, which, I was advised, is one of the finest courses in the state.  It certainly is lovely in its primitive setting.  

Vernell Wabasha

We were also joined by a couple of engaging young women, Teri and Marisa, from their clinic, where Melanie had worked years ago.  Melanie arranged the visit at my request, to help me get a sense of the Native American perspective of history in the Minnesota river valley. 

Teri and Marisa from the Lower Sioux Clinic

I felt a little bit like a groupie allowed backstage.  Chief Wabasha looked stern and dignified, though when he spoke, he turned out to be a bit of a joker.  You can see the kindness written all over his wife's face, and I wondered how they could approach life with such joy after hearing about the hurdles their nation has had to overcome to become the leaders they are today. 

As for me,  I felt very humbled and guilty by association.  The truth of the Native American story is a hard one to listen to, and I don't believe we white kids have been given the stories straight.  How did this group of people, terrorized by intruders, and attempting to save their families and land become known as savages? I'm just asking.  But, it seems like the lie we hear first is the story we remember, and it is a trick still being used today.  Lie first, retract later.  The damage is done.

Warehouse at the Lower Sioux History Center

It's been years since the holocaust in the Minnesota river valley, which reduced the Native American population by roughly 95%, and it's clear many scars still remain.  How could they not?  But it seems that, even though we could expect to be viewed as a perpetual enemy of the tribes, they have wisely chosen, instead, to practice the art of forgiveness. Which isn't the same as forgetting. 

Melanie asked what has changed the most in the Minnesota river valley since white people have become stewards of the land, and Vernell stated it was the river, itself.  What once flowed clear and deep in a beautiful valley is now shallow and tired.  Ever the optimist, I believe the pendulum will be swinging back.  Bit by bit. 

I left our lunch saddened and enlightened, and thrilled to have just spend a couple of hours with the Wabashas.  Darn.  I should have asked for an autograph.