Dakota 38 Film Screening and Discussion

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,033
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient Type
Libraries
Status
Completed
Start Date
August 2013
End Date
August 2013
Activity Type
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Counties Affected
Brown
Brown
Project Overview
The documentary film "Dakota 38" was shown at the Traverse des Sioux Treaty Site in St. Peter and Martin Luther College in New Ulm. The film is a 78-minute documentary film that follows horseback riders on a 330-mile route from Lower Brule, SD, to Mankato to arrive at the site of the hanging of 38 Dakota Indians at the end of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. It is the reality of a dream by Jim Miller, a Native spiritual leader and Vietnam veteran. The film was released in 2012 by Smooth Feather Productions, which released the rights for public screenings of the movie. After the film in St. Peter, there was a Q&A session with Peter Lengkeek of Crow Creek, SD, who was featured in the film. After the film in New Ulm, there was a Q&A session with Franky Jackson, director of the Renville County Historical Society and Museum in Morton, and Mr. Lengkeek.
Project Details
121 participated
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,033
Other Funds Leveraged
$1,008
Direct expenses
$2,041
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Written evaluations were distributed to all attendees. It was expected that a majority of respondents would indicate they would learn something about the Dakota perspective the U.S.-Dakota War and its aftermath, gain a greater understanding of unique cultural perspectives and interpretations, and become more interested in learning about Dakota culture In addition, library and museum staff would observe a majority of attendees actively engaging in the program by watching the film attentively and asking questions. Anecdotal responses from attendees would confirm their enjoyment of the program.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In St. Peter, 100% of respondents indicated the program helped them gain a greater understanding of the Dakota perspective of the U.S.-Dakota War and its aftermath and that they gained a greater understanding of unique cultural perspectives and interpretations. 90% of respondents indicated they now have an increased interest in learning more about Dakota culture. In New Ulm, 95% of respondents indicated the program helped them gain a greater understanding of the Dakota perspective of the U.S.-Dakota War and its aftermath and that they gained a greater understanding of unique cultural perspectives and interpretations. 90% of respondents indicated they now have an increased interest in learning more about Dakota culture. Librarian observed the audience at both events watching the film quietly. During the discussion session, several audience members asked questions. The discussion at St. Peter lasted about 30 minutes and at New Ulm about one hour. Anecdotal responses included: “Totally enlightened.” “Great program, met some good contacts.” “Thank you for introducing the contemporary aspect of the U.S.-Dakota War.”

Project Manager
First Name
Dayle
Last Name
Zelenka
Organization Name
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative
Street Address
1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 622
City
Mankato
State
MN
Zip Code
56002
Phone
(507)625-6169
Email
dzelen@tds.lib.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone
651-582-8200