May 18, 2008 10:55 pm US/Central
Protest Turns Violent At Sesquicentennial Event
ST. PAUL (WCCO) ―
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Demonstrators want the state of Minnesota to apologize for breaking Indian treaties and removing Indians from the land.
CBS
During the Minnesota Sesquicentennial celebration in St. Paul, a protest by a couple dozen American Indians carrying nooses turned violent.
A protester hit a Minnesota State Trooper on the head as police tried to clear the area at the state capitol. Police arrested at least three people for disorderly conduct.
Demonstrators want the state of Minnesota to apologize for breaking Indian treaties and removing Indians from the land.
"That's all we are asking the state of Minnesota on the 150th anniversary is to tell the truth. Talk about Ramsey and Sibley. Talk about the genocide and policies they put into effect," said Clyde Bellecourt of the American Indian Movement.
After the Dakota War of 1862, 38 Indians were hanged in Mankato, which remains the largest mass execution in U.S. history.
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