Letter to the editor:
Published in the Mille Lacs Messenger

To much to ask?

I am writing in response to Kelly Sam's and Jim Hill's letters in the Feb. 19 issue. Their letters criticized Bill Lawrence's column on Jan. 29 and my letter on Feb. 5. I thought Kelly Sam's letter was good. But I disagree with her belief that the band's leaders are doing enough about the band's alcohol abuse problem.

I believe that the band's leaders are neglecting to deal with the band's alcohol abuse problem. I mentioned that I had given them a forum (the Rum River name change proposal) to use to help them solve the band's alcohol abuse problem and that they have (so far) neglected to use it. I believe that too many of the band's leaders do not care enough about their people's alcohol abuse problem, and that if I can influence them to care more about solving this problem, maybe they will come out in support of the name change.

In respect to Jim Hill's letter, I would like to respond to a couple of Hill's questions. Hill asked: 1) Why is it necessary for people like Bill Lawrence and Tom Dahlheimer to comment or even be concerned with the band? My answer to this question is: Because I have band member friends and I care; and, I believe that good willed constructive criticism can be edifying.

2) Why is our business any of their business? My answer to why I am involved in some of the Mille Lacs Band's business, is because some of the band's business is also my business. I am trying to elevate the dignity of Minnesota by showing (in respect to one of its geographic names) due respect for Native Americans. Our state's DNR geographic namekeeper determined that it is reasonable for me, an American citizen and resident of Minnesota, to believe that the Rum River name is derogatory toward Native Americans. Therefore, he opened up the process wherein he is now officially guiding my efforts to change the Rum River name. Joe Day, the executive director of Minnesota Indian Affairs, has given me his "blessing". And Don Wedll has signed my Rum River name-change petition. In addition, the board of directors of a national intertribal Native American organization representing over 300 tribes are in support of the name change. And in respect to this issue, all that I am asking for from the Mille Lacs Band�s Tribal Council is to officially declare that the band supports the name change. Is that too much to ask for?

With all due respect, thank you for your questions Jim Hill.

Thomas I. Dahlheimer, Wahkon