
Why Treaties Matter
Self-Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations
“Why Treaties Matter: Self-Government in the Dakota and Ojibwe Nations” is a nationally recognized, award-winning exhibit made in partnership with the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
The exhibit explores relationships between Dakota and Ojibwe Indian Nations and the U.S. government in this place we now call Minnesota. Learn, through a video presentation and 20 banners featuring text and images, how treaties affected the lands and lifeways of the indigenous peoples of this place, and why these binding agreements between nations still matter today.

Traveling Exhibit
Nov. 1-Dec. 8, 2019
Galaxie Library, Apple Valley
Nov. 20-Dec. 2, 2019
Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Prairie Island Indian Community
"Why Treaties Matter" Host Community Application
The “Why Treaties Matter” partners seek applications from potential host communities who will use the exhibit in two different ways: those who will develop public programming or resources to supplement the exhibit and those who will share the exhibit and its current resources with their community.
Proposals due: We have no deadline for submissions. The exhibit is currently available for hosting Now-Oct. 31, 2020.

Permanent Display
Minnesota State Capitol
3rd Floor, Rooms 316-317
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
St. Paul, MN 55155
In this virtual exhibit, see for yourself how Dakota and Ojibwe treaties with the U.S. government affected the lands and lifeways of the Indigenous peoples of the place now called Minnesota and why these binding agreements between nations still matter today.
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