The notion is that if you're Christian you can't be an Indian

Mr. LaBatte reflects on how Dakota spirituality and Christianity are viewed by some Dakota today.

Audio Chapters

Chapter 1

JL: Today the notion is that if you're Christian you can't be an Indian. I don't know if you've spoken to Elden Lawrence. He would tell you you're wrong if you believe that. I see in the Indian communities today that the youth are being persuaded or influenced to take up the traditional religion because they are being told that they can't be an Indian and a Christian at the same time, and that's wrong.

Cite
John LaBatte. "The notion is that if you're Christian you can't be an Indian." https://www3.mnhs.org/usdakotawar/stories/contributors/john-labatte/1073
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Oral History- Interview | Narrator John LaBatte Interviewer Deborah Locke made in New Ulm, MN | Tuesday, May 31, 2011
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Citation: Minnesota Historical Society. U.S. - Dakota War of 1862. The notion is that if you're Christian you can't be an Indian. May 23, 2025.