The Rum River, a waterway flowing from the southern shores of Mille Lacs Lake through central Minnesota, is more than just a geographical feature. It’s a repository of history, a reflection of cultural interaction, and currently, the focal point of a passionate debate surrounding its very name. This article delves into the heart of the Rum River Name Change Initiative, exploring its origins, motivations, and the complex tapestry of historical context, cultural sensitivity, and spiritual significance that fuels it.
Minnesota, often lauded as the "land of ten thousand lakes," boasts a landscape rich in waterways, each with its own story etched into its name. The Rum River, born from the waters of Mille Lacs, carries a name that, according to historical accounts, is a product of linguistic misunderstanding and cultural insensitivity. Warren Upham’s "Minnesota Geographic Names," a publication of the Minnesota Historical Society, sheds light on the river’s naming. In the late 1700s, European settlers, unfamiliar with the indigenous Dakota language, engaged in what Upham describes as a "punning translation" of the river’s original Dakota name, Mdo-te-Mi-ni-Wakan.
Mdo-te-Mi-ni-Wakan, a name deeply rooted in Dakota spirituality and reverence for nature, translates to "mouth (of river) + water + sacred." The term Wakan, in particular, holds profound significance, representing the concept of the sacred, the spiritual, and the divine within Dakota cosmology. It’s a term intrinsically linked to Wakan-Tonka, the Dakota name for the Great Spirit, the ultimate source of creation and life.
However, the European settlers, in their attempt to understand and translate the Dakota name, misinterpreted the word Wakan. Instead of recognizing its spiritual connotation, they chose to associate it with the alcoholic spirit "rum." This "punning translation," as Upham terms it, effectively stripped the river of its sacred designation and replaced it with a term that, while seemingly innocuous, carried a completely different meaning and cultural weight. The resulting name, Rum River, became a stark example of how linguistic misinterpretations can lead to the erasure of indigenous cultural heritage.
The Rum River Name Change Initiative is driven by the belief that the current name not only misrepresents the river’s original Dakota designation but also perpetuates a historical injustice. The use of "rum" in the river’s name is seen as a desecration of the Dakota concept of Wakan, a term central to their spiritual beliefs. Furthermore, the association of the river with alcohol is viewed as a painful reminder of the devastating impact that the introduction and sale of alcohol had on Native American communities.
An article from the 1868 St. Paul Daily Pioneer referred to the Rum River name as "profane," highlighting the early recognition of the name’s problematic nature and the animosity towards the native people of Minnesota. This historical context underscores the long-standing awareness of the name’s inappropriateness and the need for rectification.
The movement to rename the Rum River gained momentum over the years, fueled by a growing awareness of the importance of cultural preservation and the need to address historical injustices. The initiative garnered support from various organizations, including national and international bodies, highlighting the global significance of the issue.
One of the key figures behind the Rum River Name Change Initiative was deeply involved in a counter-cultural movement of the 1960s, influenced by the writings of Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk known for his interfaith dialogue and social justice advocacy. This movement, rooted in the ideals of global unity and cultural understanding, sought to create a world where diverse traditions were respected and celebrated. The Dakota concept of Wakan, with its emphasis on spirituality and interconnectedness, resonated deeply with the values of this movement, further solidifying the commitment to rectifying the misnomer of the Rum River.
The movement saw the Sioux people as a representation of Native American people. Seeing them in Hollywood movies using the word "wakan" made them think the word and Wakan-Tonka are used by all Native Americans. As Stephen Gaskin wrote, “The word wakan has a strong and universal concept and people all around the world know something about it.”
The effort to rename the Rum River has also found support within religious circles. The Tekakwitha Conference, an international Catholic Native American organization representing over 300 tribes, endorsed the initiative, recognizing the importance of honoring indigenous spiritual traditions. The United Nations’ Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues also lent its support, further elevating the issue to a global platform.
In 1983, a missionary priest, Stanislaus Maudin, told the Tekakwitha Conference that there is a whole world-view behind the word wakan. That same year, Father Matthew Fox, the international leader of the Catholic Church’s single united global-culturalism movement, interviewed one of the members of the Rum River Name Change Initiative, further showing its importance.
The journey towards renaming the Rum River was not without its challenges. Opposition arose from various quarters, including local government officials. Despite these obstacles, the movement persevered, building a strong coalition of supporters who shared a common vision of a more just and equitable society.
The list of organizations and individuals who have publicly supported the Rum River Name Change Initiative is a testament to the breadth and depth of its appeal. The Upper Sioux Community, a band of Mdewakanton Dakota, whose ancestors originally named the river Mdo-te-Mi-ni-Wakan, has been a staunch advocate for the name change. The Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community, another Dakota tribe, has also voiced its support, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming their cultural heritage. Cankdeska Cikana Community College, a Sioux college dedicated to providing higher education opportunities to the Spirit Lake Tribe, has joined the call for a name change, recognizing the educational and cultural significance of the issue.
Other notable supporters include the National Environmental Coalition of Native Americans, Joe Day, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Russell Means, a renowned American Indian activist, Pat Albers, Chair of the University of Minnesota’s American Indian Studies Department, and Don Wedll, an American Indian rights activist. The support of these individuals and organizations underscores the widespread recognition of the need to address the historical injustice perpetuated by the Rum River’s current name.
Furthermore, the movement has garnered support from within the Christian community, with numerous pastors of Christian churches located within the Rum River area expressing their endorsement of the name change. This interfaith support highlights the universal values of respect, reconciliation, and cultural understanding that underpin the initiative.
The movement believes that the wide-spread acceptance of our nation’s multicultural movement it will only be a short period of time before the derogatory Rum River name is changed. Because through multiculturalism people acquired an increased respect for people of other cultures, they therefore initiate and support movements to change derogatory names.
The Rum River Name Change Initiative represents more than just a symbolic gesture. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the historical injustices inflicted upon Native American communities, to promote cultural understanding, and to foster a more inclusive and respectful society. By restoring the river’s original Dakota name, Mdo-te-Mi-ni-Wakan, or perhaps another culturally appropriate designation, Minnesota can send a powerful message of reconciliation and respect for indigenous heritage. The effort also has the goal of increasing "white guilt" and awareness of the catastrophic consequences caused by white settlers introducing and selling alcohol to Native Americans.