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Phone: 612-713-5360 |
Shakopee Mdewakanton
Sioux Community
Tribal Partnership Projects
Contacting the Office:
BHW Federal Building
One Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, MN 55111
Phone: 612-713-5108
Fax: 612-713-5280
Sioux Tribes Host Meeting with Regional Director on Camp Coldwater
On December 18, 2001, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community hosted a meeting at Prior Lake, Minn. The meeting was to open dialog with the four recognized tribes who have demonstrated an interest in the construction of the Hwy. 55 interchange and its potential to impact Camp Coldwater. Camp Coldwater, part of a 29 acre parcel that was operated by the Bureau of Mines, is scheduled for disposition since the Mines office has closed. The Camp is an area of importance in tribal culture and tradition and is designated as a historical site. Because of its flowing water and constant lower 50's temperature, the spring provided area inhabitants with an open source of water during the entire year. William Hartwig, Regional Director; Bradley V. Johnson, Chief Division of Federal Aid and John Leonard, Regional Native American Liaison met with tribal representatives from Lower Sioux Mdewakanton Indian Community, Upper Sioux Community of Minnesota and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (the Prairie Island Indian Community was not represented). Regional Director Hartwig addressed the tribal members explaining the background and present status of the Camp and how it would be impacted if the Service were to take title to the land. He provided information on a Service proposal being considered to obtain title of the property and renovate it to consolidate Department of Interior offices scattered throughout the Minneapolis area. Tribal representatives were encouraged to ask questions, provide concerns, voice support and identify issues. Tribes identified six general areas of support and five areas of concern. These will form the basis for future consultation as the project progresses.
Offices Involved: R3-External Affairs R3-Federal Aid R3-Regional Director's Office
Resource Outputs: Tribal consultation has begun on a project that could relocate the FWS regional office and consolidate several DOI agencies at a single location in DOI owned property (a considerable financial savings). The tribes have a cultural link to Camp Coldwater and expressed support for the Service's plan to acquire the property. Consultation with the tribes will continue as the project progresses.
Partners: Lower Sioux Mdewakanton Indian Community, Upper Sioux Community of Minnesota, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Prairie Island Indian Community
Notes: Tribal consultation is important to assure tribal support for the potential Regional Office relocation.
