MUID Letter Regarding Encampment
November 1, 2023
To Whom It May Concern,
We are writing to demand that the Nenookaasi encampment located at 23rd St and 13th Ave in Minneapolis is closed immediately. The recent death of a baby and the overdose death at the encampment is just the most recent of many reasons we cannot wait until December 6th to act. Not only are crimes being committed regularly, but they are also being hidden from the police with threats of, and physical acts of violence, to those who would normally report. Neighbors have witnessed women and girls being dragged into cars in the middle of the night, open drug use throughout the day, open sex acts, and more.
Over the last several weeks and months, leaders from MUID organizations have reported many of these crimes and concerns to city and county officials, which has not resulted in any improvement while the situation continues to deteriorate and become more and more of a threat. This is unacceptable.
We understand that there may be misinformation about the position of MUID on this encampment. An interested community member has presented the Nenookaasi Homeless Response Action Plan to the MUID Opioid/Unsheltered Committee for consideration. However, we must clarify that this does not represent MUID.
In the long run, we understand that this encampment is part of a larger more complex housing issue that requires a collaboration of multiple jurisdictions and community partners to best serve our relatives, and MUID is willing to be part of this process. However, due to the immediate and growing public health and safety crisis this situation poses, we demand that the Nenookaasi encampment is closed immediately.
We request acknowledgement of receipt of this letter and an expedited response by Friday, November 3rd. Please direct your response to Ryan Salmon, Interim Chair of MUID.
Ryan Salmon
White Earth Band of Ojibwe
Interim Chair of MUID Ryan.Salmon@Whiteearth-NSN.gov
Supported by the FULL MUID MEMBERSHIP
MUID promotes the well-being, growth and mutual interests of metropolitan American Indian organizations.
MUID Press Release Regarding Encampment
December 20, 2023
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Since the City of Minneapolis by resolution declared the unsheltered at Nenookaasi encampment a public health emergency, we, the Metro Urban Indian Directors demand the city, county and state jurisdictions assign professionals to provide oversight and resources to Nenookaasi residents to ensure their needs are met for drug treatment, mental health, and shelter immediately. In the meantime, we demand a security force of multi-jurisdictional law enforcement to ensure that the camp does not continue to grow and allows for the current residents to be resourced with the necessary services. By the city estimates, there are approximately 100 people living in Nenookaasi, 88 can be housed by the end of the week leaving a small number to seek shelter.
This demand comes from community members who are threatened with retaliation if they come forward expressing their fears. The encampment draws predatory behavior by those who would prey on vulnerable adults, this endangers those in the camp and in the surrounding neighborhood.
We have collectively requested action since prior to the public health emergency declaration.
We demand immediate action as the outside temperature will eventually drop and none of our relatives should be sleeping under plastic tarps. The directors call for a swift and comprehensive response to ensure the safety, health, and dignity of all individuals affected by this crisis.
In community,
Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors (MUID) Membership
MUID Press Release 12/20/23
December 20, 2023
Press Release: For Immediate Release
Since the City of Minneapolis by resolution declared the unsheltered at Nenookaasi encampment a public health emergency, we, the Metro Urban Indian Directors demand the city, county and state jurisdictions assign professionals to provide oversight and resources to Nenookaasi residents to ensure their needs are met for drug treatment, mental health, and shelter immediately. In the meantime, we demand a security force of multi-jurisdictional law enforcement to ensure that the camp does not continue to grow and allows for the current residents to be resourced with the necessary services. By the city estimates, there are approximately 100 people living in Nenookaasi, 88 can be housed by the end of the week leaving a small number to seek shelter.
This demand comes from community members who are threatened with retaliation if they come forward expressing their fears. The encampment draws predatory behavior by those who would prey on vulnerable adults, this endangers those in the camp and in the surrounding neighborhood.
We have collectively requested action since prior to the public health emergency declaration.
We demand immediate action as the outside temperature will eventually drop and none of our relatives should be sleeping under plastic tarps. The directors call for a swift and comprehensive response to ensure the safety, health, and dignity of all individuals affected by this crisis.
In community,
Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors (MUID) Membership
Sunrise Ceremony
Will be held at Bde Make Ska, Thomas Beach, 3700 Thomas Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Gather from 6:45-6:55am
Led by the LaPointe Family and will start at 7am