The History and Culture of the Spirit Lake Dakota
In Dakota History we find the term Hazelwood Republic, which was established at the Lower Agency in 1856. Paul Mazakutemani (Walking Shoot a Gun) AKA “Little Paul” was elected President. This was a Presbyterian church endeavor whose members formed the nucleus for converting the Dakota prisoners of war starting in 1863. At the present time I don’t know why the name Hazelwood Republic was selected. Other than there was an abundance of Umahhu growing in the area.
Bibliography
Angier, Bradford Feasting Free on Wild Edibles. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA 1969, Page 137
Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants. Stackpole Books 1974, pages 98-99.
Diedrich, Mark Little Paul: Christian Leader of the Dakota Peace Party. Rochester, MN: Coyote Books 2110.
Interviews Sharon Redfox Geogeson, Lois LaCroix Leben, Josie Lawrence, Alberta Redfox,
Lewis Bonnie Sue Creating Christian Indians: Native Clergy in the Presbyterian Church. Norman; University of Oklahoma 2003.
Robinson, Doane History of the Dakota or Sioux Indians. Minneapolis: Ross and Haines, Inc. 1967. Page 232.
Stevens, Orin Alva Handbook of North Dakota Plants. North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies, Fargo 1963, Page 114.
Wikipedia search Hazel nuts, medicinal uses, and Witch Hazel.
(Part 1 was published Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, Part 2 was published Tuesday, January 2, 2024)
