We believe the name of Sibley State Park should be changed. Sibley State Park, located in New London, Minnesota is named after Henry Hasting Sibley. H.H. Sibley served as the delegate of Minnesota and later as its first governor. There are three main reasons why the state park should not be named after him. 

1. His violent actions to ethnically cleanse the Dakota people from the state of Minnesota through the genocide of thousands of men, women, and children.
2. Sibley would manipulate and coerce the Dakota into signing treaties using the trust he had established with them in negotiations. He would use this power to change agreements so he financially benefited- stealing money from the Dakota. 
3. Sibley demonstrated his lack of integrity, morals, and values by breaking the trust of the Dakota People he had once lived with. 

We recognize that H.H.Sibley was active in creating the state of Minnesota and making it safe for colonial settlers. We welcome additional conversation around education on the history of the Dakota and U.S. War, treaties, and colonization. This effort is tell a greater historical truth and start the conversations. 

We believe that the state park is worthy of a name that reflects its natural beauty rather than be connected with this controversial actions of Henry Hastings Sibley in Minnesota's history. We also believe that public places, including Sibley State Park, not be named after people who had/have racist actions and beliefs.

A state park name change takes an act of legislation. As a former park naturalist I am working to educate people on the historical truth of H.H.Sibley. By signing this petition you will add your voice to this effort which is not a local issue but a state issue for public lands and a national issue for justice. What will the new park name be? That is a conversation for a larger community….but right now help carry this message to the legislature! 

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