This blog was written by Eliza Aleman, a first year sustainability major.
On Saturday we had the honor of meeting Audrianna Goodwin – a University of Minnesota graduate and researcher for the TRUTH project. Audrianna took the time to share her familial stories and personal path to success with our group and some long-term MDS volunteers. The TRUTH (Towards Recognition and University Tribal Healing) Project is a 154-page report that uncovers the broken relationship between the University of Minnesota and the 11 tribal nations of Minnesota. Its purpose is to give the university a checklist in order to rebuild a genuine connection with the Native tribes. The report discusses historical fraudulent treaties, individual reports from each tribe, and asks that the university acknowledges its role in the taking and development of Native land. Audrianna holds this project very near and dear to her, being a graduate of the university and calling Red Lake Nation her home for many years. She and many other residents we have talked to have mentioned that while the taking of Native land happened years ago, it is a crucial part of history that affects the well-being of indigenous people on the reservation, and can also be directly related to the violence indigenous peoples face across America. Her work is revolutionary and her story is a testament to the power of resilience and truth-telling. To read more about the TRUTH Project we have attached the link here: https://sites.google.com/view/truthproject/home?authuser=0
