were there treaties in prairie island and how did it effect them
Yes, there were treaties that affected the Prairie Island Indian Community. In the early 19th century, the United States signed a series of treaties with various Native American tribes, including the Dakota people who resided in the Prairie Island area.
The Treaty of Traverse des Sioux in 1851 and the Treaty of Mendota in 1851 were two significant agreements that impacted the Prairie Island Dakota people. These treaties ceded large portions of Dakota lands to the U.S. government in exchange for annuity payments, reservations, and other provisions.
While these treaties promised certain rights and benefits to the Dakota people, they were often not upheld by the U.S. government. The annuity payments were often delayed or reduced, and the reservations designated for the Dakota were much smaller and less desirable than their original territories.
This loss of land and unfair treatment significantly impacted the Prairie Island Dakota people's way of life. They were forced to adapt to a new reservation system, face difficulties in maintaining their traditional culture, and experience economic hardships due to the diminished access to natural resources.
Additionally, the construction of the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant in the mid-20th century had further effects on the Prairie Island Indian Community. The plant's establishment required further land acquisition from the community, leading to displacement and the loss of sacred sites.
These historical treaties continue to shape the social, economic, and political landscape of the Prairie Island Indian Community today. They have fostered ongoing struggles for autonomy, sovereignty, and the preservation of cultural heritage for the Dakota people.