Melissa Lorentz

I grew up in Makato (a.k.a. Mankato, Minnesota), named for a place where the Dakota harvested "blue earth" used in adoption and reconciliation ceremonies. This special place on the bend of the Minnesota River became the site of the largest mass execution in U.S. history, with settlers cheering the death of 38 Dakota men. As a descendant of European immigrants, I ultimately benefited from mass land theft that led to horrific events in my hometown. Yet, I was privileged to witness reconciliation efforts between Dakota and non-Native Minnesotans, which continue to this day. My hope is that these lessons can be replicated on a larger scale. Our world increasingly needs common ground - perhaps it can be found beneath our feet. The land can divide us, but it can also connect us.

Mel holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and graduated summa cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law. Before joining MCEA, Mel clerked at all three levels of Minnesota's judicial system, represented tribal nations in complex federal litigation, and was an Indian law fellow at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.