The Old Crossing Treaty

The 1863 and 1864 Old Crossing Treaty separated the Red Lake and Pembina bands of Ojibwe from their lands along the Red River Valley.

—–

Editor: Britt Aamodt

Producer: Deanna StandingCloud

Editorial support: Emily Krumberger

Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood

—–

For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.

instagram.com/ampersradio/

Facebook.com/MN90Ampers

Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/

This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: ampers.org/fund

Transcript

Welcome to MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds.

A heavy weight of a military presence encompassed the Red River Valley in late September. A looming threat hovered over the camp. Just months earlier, the United States government had executed 38 Dakota warriors. The Red Lake and Pembina bands were well aware of the government’s tendency toward violence.

Treaty negotiations were taking place in the large encampment. Over 1,500 people in total with the Pembina band traveling with their families.

At some point during the meeting, Chief May-dway-gun-no-nind stands up. He turns to Alexander Ramsey, the first territorial governor of Minnesota and says, “I tell you frankly, I do not accept it, I shall go home instantly.” He swiftly left the treaty negotiations.

We may not know what was in the minds of those who did sign the treaty, but, on October 1st of that year, the Old Crossing treaty was signed into law. It was the first and only treaty the Red Lake and Pembina bands of the Ojibwe made with the United States government.

MN90 is produced by AMPERS, diverse radio for Minnesota's communities, made possible by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Online at MN90.org.