Original intent? History, language blur Minnesota Indian treaty disputes

Four Ojibwe protesters appeared in court Monday morning on charges of harvesting wild rice without a permit and illegal fish netting. The protesters argue the state of Minnesota has no jurisdiction in their case, because an 1855 treaty gives Ojibwe band members rights to hunt, fish and gather.

The state disagrees. Tribal officials say they will ask a federal court to resolve the dispute.

Interpreting a treaty

Understanding an American Indian treaty more than 150 years old is a complicated process.

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/02/01/history-language-mn-native-american-treaty-disputes