Many thanks to Prof. Anton Treuer for his piece in Monday’s edition (“On the Biden apology for Native American boarding schools,” Strib Voices, Nov. 4). As a non-Native, it’s been my privilege to volunteer with the Minneapolis Native community for almost two decades. In that experience, I found an ethos that was so compatible with my upbringing as an upper-middle-class white person. Treuer’s perspective on President Joe Biden’s apology told it like it is: a small first step toward reconciliation with our Native brethren — but an authentic, sincere, important step. And underlying Treuer’s comments is the broader theme of Native tradition that puts community above the individual, selflessness above self. Yes, he says, if you’re a Native person whose bitterness is so overwhelming that you cannot accept Biden’s apology, so be it. But don’t be an impediment against this small step toward progress. And to the non-Native community that is discomforted by Biden’s exposure of our genocidal behavior toward Indigenous peoples, Treuer’s subtext is simple. “Shutting up” about this embarrassing past isn’t going to make it disappear. Finally, as a teacher, and in fine Native tradition, Treuer employs storytelling as a didactic tool. His metaphor of a baby taking their first steps, and the fine future that lies ahead, is so perfect.
In these anxious, stressful times, a positive message from our president and from a member of the Native community is so uplifting. Again, thank you.
Richard Masur, Minneapolis
As a veterinarian with a doctoral degree in ethology/animal behavior, and having been involved in animal rescue and sheltering in several countries for over 50 years, I was most distressed by the news that the animal shelter in Mankato is virtually closed (“Dispute shutters animal shelter,” Nov. 4). I have deep respect and sympathy for all who work in animal shelter operations where they face the reality of having to euthanize some dogs whose aggressive behavior is unmanageable and also un-adopted cats for lack of space and resources.
Some shelters keep such dogs incarcerated for the rest of their lives, which is inhumane but is under the pro-life banner of “no kill.” Un-adopted cats, under this same banner, are released in many communities across the U.S. to fend for themselves bringing an adverse impact on wildlife, a risk to public health and, for them, too often a slow death from diseases and injuries. These are all forms of cruelty for which every board of directors of animal shelters should be held responsible when opposing euthanasia by in-house veterinary staff.
Michael W. Fox, Golden Valley
