The guidance from this brief is derived from The Community and Nonprofit Studies Affiliate and Civil Society & Community Studies and American Indian & Indigenous Studies Associate Professor, Kasey Keeler and her project Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek Oral History Project.
The Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek Oral History Project, initiated by Valley Community Presbyterian Church in 2021, explores the experiences of American Indian people in the Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ (Bassett Creek) watershed in the West Metro area of Minneapolis. Led by Dr. Kasey Keeler, the project features interviews with 14 individuals from various tribal backgrounds, including Dakota, Anishinaabe, and Lakota, among others. It aims to fill gaps in the history of suburban life for American Indian people with rich oral histories supported by funding from the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant Program and other organizations.
Land acknowledgments are an essential first step in recognizing Indigenous peoples’ histories and presence on the lands we occupy. But true respect and meaningful change come when we move beyond symbolic gestures and actively work to engage with Indigenous communities in deep, long-term ways. One of the most powerful tools we can use to honor Native peoples is the preservation and celebration of their histories, cultures, and traditions, in this case, through oral histories.
Oral history isn’t just a method for telling stories; it’s a way to ensure that the voices, cultures, and knowledge of Native communities are not lost to time or overshadowed by colonial narratives. These stories carry invaluable insights about history, identity, land, spirituality, and survival—knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation. And by recognizing and supporting these histories, we not only protect Native cultures but also create opportunities for a more complete and accurate understanding of history for everyone.
For communities whose histories have been silenced or marginalized, oral history is a powerful tool to reclaim their narrative, offering a platform to share their stories on their terms and in their own voices. Preserving and honoring oral histories isn’t just about documentation—it’s about relationship, respect, and responsibility. Listening to Native voices and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives like the Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek Oral History Project creates a deeper, more authentic understanding of the lands we occupy and the histories that shape them.
Here are a few ways you and your organization can independently support the preservation of American Indian oral histories and help make them a resource for greater understanding:
1.Begin with Learning and Relationship-Building
Take the initiative to learn about the tribal nations and American Indian communities whose homelands you live on or near. Seek out Native-led sources, visit tribal websites, attend public events, and build relationships with community members. This work is done with humility, patience and a willingness to listen and learn. Meaningful engagement starts with understanding whose stories you’re engaging with and why.
2.Partner Thoughtfully and Responsibly
Consider existing partnerships with museums, archives, schools, or community organizations and explore opportunities to build new ones. These relationships should be rooted in mutual respect, clear communication, and shared goals. Always offer appropriate compensation or gifts to those who generously share their knowledge and stories.
3.Empower Communities to Lead
Support Native people leading oral history projects. This includes making space for community members to shape the direction of the work and ensuring their voices are centered at every stage; from design to storytelling to how the histories are shared. Encouraging individual curiosity is important, but true empowerment comes from listening, following community leadership, and honoring Native ways of knowing. Ensure that any stories or content shared are used with consent and in alignment with how the community wants them to be represented and archived
Podcast from Haha Wakpaden Bassett Creek Oral History Project https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5bNwUXzx9nffXi-Sj3AF3DCyhrb0TrT5