The next Central Lakes College Rosenmeier Forum is noon Monday, Dec. 7, in the Chalberg Theatre at CLC's Brainerd campus.
The forum, "Why Treaties Matter," will be presented by professor Tadd M. Johnson, director of the master of tribal administration and governance program at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
The event is co-sponsored by the "Why Treaties Matter" exhibit, which is on display at CLC through Dec. 18. The traveling exhibition explores the Native nations in Minnesota and their history of treaty making with the United States. This exhibition is part of a statewide tour, with visits throughout the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, under the auspices of the Minnesota Humanities Center and its partner, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council.
Johnson's presentation will cover several topics including: treaty making in America, native origins of sovereignty, U.S. treaties in Minnesota, defending treaty rights in the 20th century, sovereignty through economic development and treaties as living documents.
"One cannot really understand the history of the country or the state without understanding the relationship between the federal, tribal and state governments," Johnson said in a release. "Treaties are the cornerstone of federal-tribal relations, and many state residents don't understand the rights of tribal governments and Indian people under federal law."
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Steve Wenzel, executive director of the Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government, said the topic is vital for people to learn about.
"It is of the utmost importance that students and the general public learn more of the great importance of treaties affecting Native Americans and state residents on their impact and implementation for the good of our society and state," he said in a news release. "I have heard Johnson speak in the past on issues of importance to Native Americans and to Minnesotans. Tadd brings great knowledge and an impressive background to Native American issues important to all Minnesotans."
