A blessing for Bde Maka Ska, a lake's new, yet old, identity

Art Owen, spiritual leader of the Prairie Island Indian Community, said a prayer to commemorate the restoration of the Bde Maka Ska name to what was formerly Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis.

January 30, 2018 at 4:44AM
The Bde Maka Ska name was restored to the largest lake in Minneapolis.]Lake Calhoun was officially renamed Bde Maka Ska.Richard Tsong-Taatariiïrtsong-taatarii@startribune.com
The Bde Maka Ska name was restored to the largest lake in Minneapolis. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Art Owen, spiritual leader of the Prairie Island Indian Community, said a prayer to commemorate the restoration of the Bde Maka Ska name to what was formerly Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. After nearly 200 years, the city's largest lake reverted to its original name (Dakota for "white earth lake"). Army surveyors in the early 19th century had named it for the congressman from South Carolina, an ardent defender of slavery.

Art Owen of the Prairie Island Community, said a prayer to commemorate the restoration of the Bde Maka Ska name.]Lake Calhoun was officially renamed Bde Maka Ska.Richard Tsong-Taatariiïrtsong-taatarii@startribune.com
Art Owen of the Prairie Island Community, said a prayer to commemorate the restoration of the Bde Maka Ska name.]Lake Calhoun was officially renamed Bde Maka Ska.Richard Tsong-Taatariiïrtsong-taatarii@startribune.com (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

More from Local