MN: After 161 years, land was officially returned to the Upper Sioux Community
Nearly 20 years have passed since Elitta Gouge told tribal chair Kevin Jensvold that she wanted to seek return of the Upper Sioux Agency State Park to the Upper Sioux Community. Gouge was serving as the tribe’s secretary at the time. It was hard to imagine the return.
When it happened, emotion welled up at Friday’s signing ceremony.
Gouge spoke about the significance of the land to her, recalling it as a place where she has sought respite during some of the most difficult times in her life. She talked about the land as the final resting place of many of their ancestors and the outrage felt by tribal members for having to pay state park fees to visit burial and prayer sites.
“The park is not just recreational. I consider it Wokiksuye k’a Wanagi Makoce — a land of memories and spirits. It is to be walked upon with respect and reverence,” said Gouge. “In speaking with the chairman that day so many years ago, I shared with him my feelings of annoyance, disgust and downright anger.”
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/03/15/after-161-years-land-was-officially-returned-to-the-upper-sioux-community