A group of Native American former servicemen have taken up positions outside the Division of Indian Work building on the corner of 10th Avenue and Lake Street to defend their small community and offer medical assistance to those who need it.
The group contacted Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to secure approval for protecting their area of the community. Several members of the group have documents explaining their presence, and they believe law enforcement members are aware of their presence. When any law enforcement passes the area the group puts their hands up in the air to ensure they don’t cause any panic.
After losing organizational buildings to fires in the last four nights, including the Woodlands Bank, community elders sent out a call for help defending the Native American community along Lake Street, one of the most tumultuous areas of the city. The Division of Indian Works and its surrounding area are home to multiple agencies for youth and early childhood, a food bank, parents groups, substance abuse groups and housing for homeless youths. “We’re just trying to protect our building,” said a man who we only know as Barry. “We’re small. We have to protect what we have,” he continued.
Some members of the group are carrying firearms. “We’re Indian people ane we’ve been in this for a long time. We’re a peaceful people, but we defend ourselves,” Barry said. Barry and many other members of the group are wearing shirts that say, “Native Americans were never homeless before 1492.”
The group is encouraging anyone passing by to be safe and to get home.
@WBBMNewsradio @wccoradioAn armed native american organization made up of former service members. Sanctioned by Governor and Mayor to protect their area of the community...during Minneapolis curfew and protest/riot. pic.twitter.com/lOly3NQFYa
— Brandon Ison (@MrBrandonIson) May 31, 2020@WBBMNewsradio @wccoradioPart 2: An armed native american organization made up of former service members. Sanctioned by Governor and Mayor to protect their area of the community...during Minneapolis curfew and protest/riot. pic.twitter.com/lOly3NQFYa pic.twitter.com/jciN1gwsUN
— Brandon Ison (@MrBrandonIson) May 31, 2020@WBBMNewsradio @wccoradioPart 3: Medics...An armed native american organization made up of former service members. Sanctioned by Governor and Mayor to protect their area of the community...during Minneapolis curfew and protest/riot. pic.twitter.com/lOly3NQFYa pic.twitter.com/nRXREKO8nu
— Brandon Ison (@MrBrandonIson) May 31, 2020
