Mineral Rights Proceeds and Restorative Action at MPUC

In the coming months, Macalester Plymouth United Church will host a three-part series exploring the opportunity for us to act on our Land Acknowledgement by returning bequeathed mineral rights funds to Indigenous people as a “Restorative Action.”

“Restorative action” refers to steps that faith communities are taking to work towards repair of harms caused by our actions, and to walk in solidarity with our neighbors impacted by the underlying racism and privilege.

The sessions will be Sundays after worship on October 20, November 24 and in January 2025.

October 20 – Land and the Spiritual Traditions of Dakota People

Joseph Bester, a spiritual leader at the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community, will share stories and Dakota teachings about our relationship to the land and all of life.  Joseph walks in both the Dakota spiritual path and the Christian Way of Jesus.  Every month Joseph leads an Inipi Ceremony (sweat lodge) at the DuPuis House in Mendota. 

November 24 – Restorative Actions and the Church

Jim Koon and Milissa Carter, leaders at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, will share the concept of Restorative Action, how it is similar or dissimilar to reparations and how it is implemented at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Bloomington.

January 2025 – Harm and Repair

The Racial and Indigenous Justice Stewards will lead a conversation on the harm done by extractive industries to Indigenous People and invite discussion on a restorative response.