Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Indians in Minnesota

A LWV Minnesota state study initiated by Liz Ebbott, LWV White Bear Lake Area, in 1963 remains a major published resource here in Minnesota. Indians in Minnesota, (5th ed. 2007), authored by Kathy Davis Graves and Elizabeth Ebbott, was published by the University of Minnesota Press. American Indian leader and Minneapolis Library Board member Laura Waterman Wittstock says Indians in Minnesota “captures 20th to 21st century Minnesota American Indian history with the authenticity of being there when events unfolded.”

Characterized by a balanced perspective and a comprehensive approach, Indians in Minnesota provides an historical and contemporary account of Ojibwe and Dakota Indians living in both reservation and urban settings. Compiled from hundreds of interviews with tribal members, as well as data from the 2000 Minnesota Census and federal and state reports, this 5th edition examines the significant changes and continuing needs of American Indians in the 21st century.

Exploring American Indians’ relationships with federal, state, and local governments—including the expansion of gaming and growing tribal sovereignty—this book includes extensive coverage of the status of American Indian culture, natural resources, economic development, employment, education, social services, health, housing, and criminal justice issues. The authors also focus on central concerns facing American Indians today, including widespread efforts to preserve sovereignty, culture, language, and reservations, and to build brighter futures for Indian men, women, and children.

In Minnesota, the legacy of the American Indian people is reflected in many ways. Twenty-seven of the state’s counties have names of American Indian origin. The cities of Wabasha, Red Wing, and Shakopee are named for important Mdewakanton Dakota tribal leaders. With more than fifty-four thousand American Indians currently living in Minnesota, their culture and values are well represented throughout the state.

Reflections on Indians in Minnesota

It all started with this handwritten request at the LWVMN Convention in 1961 from Mrs. Ralph (Liz) Ebbott of LWV White Bear Lake: "To move coordination of a study of Minnesota Indian Citizens, with emphasis on areas of welfare, education and economic opportunity, as a state League study item for the years 1961-1963."

As shared by Liz's daughter in law, Alison:

"Her interest in Native Americans started in second grade. Although Liz was a farm kid, her Dad wrote a column for the Iowa City newspaper. Somehow she attended an elementary school set up for the children of professors at the University of Iowa. They studied Native Americans thoroughly (I remember her telling us they sewed an authentic buckskin set of clothing) and it stuck with her for life. She was appalled at the inequitable treatment and the horrific conditions on both the reservations and in the cities. With the League’s support (and my Dad’s help), she used facts and statistics to make the state take notice and do more for the population. I remember closely following the occupation at Wounded Knee when I was a student because it was something my Mom cared about. I also remember her visiting the reservations. My Dad went along for many of them. She often came back with beautiful beaded necklaces (I still have some of them) and wild rice. I didn’t know Pearl Okubo went too. I was good friends with Gloria Okubo and played softball with her for many years.

When Liz was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I think her biggest regret was that she wouldn’t be able to see the latest edition of her book through to completion. She worked hard on it through treatment and did her best to leave it some sort of shape to be carried forward. We were all grateful that the League supported it and it ended up being published. It’s gratifying to know her legacy lives on. Thank you so much for sharing and caring.

As shared by Mary Santi, LWV WBLA member:

“I traveled with Liz, another League member, Pearl Okubo, and a car full of video equipment on a tour of Minnesota reservations. We videotaped interviews that I put together into a 10-minute video about that book. There was a later edition. I was involved also after it was published. We did unit meetings around it. The state convention was in Duluth that year. There was a book kickoff with some Native people present. We played the video that resulted from our trip around the state.”

What a legacy for Liz Ebbott and for LWV and our commitment to studies and learning, to pave the way for our advocacy!