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DL: If you had a magic wand, what would you wish for the Dakota people today?
ML: I was thinking about that you know. That they would be recognized as the first Nation of North America and have all their treaties and claims settled and adhered to, to take their rightful place at the head of the line. The Dakotas and the Vietnamese people are the only are the only people to ever defeat the US forces in combat. To commemorate it there should be an international Pow Wow at the Canada, US border – Peace Gardens. Make it a good ten day event every year – annually. Something like that. What contributions did Dakota people make to Canada? I believe they brought strong blood north. They showed persistence. They brought the Sun Dance and tradition and culture. Apparently here around this area they were seed farmers. Seed farming today is going to be a billion dollar business because of what they’re doing with seeds and stuff. I keep following that too. Some of that comes from our people. I keep telling my kids, “You know, you have nothing to be ashamed of because everything you were taught in school, half of it is lies.” It’s their story and sooner or later, we’re going to be included. We can’t blame the people of today but if you look back at the people from before and say, “Why did you do this?” Well now we know why.
