Treasure Hunt Medallion Hidden in Sacred Dakota Sanctuary Sparks Controversy

Future hunts to exclude Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, says Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt director, following backlash from Dakota leaders and Native American nonprofit.

Dakota leaders in Minnesota have expressed disappointment that a treasure hunt medallion was hidden in the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, a place they consider to be sacred grounds.
The Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, hosted annually by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, led hunters to find the medallion at the sanctuary.
Shelley Buck, former chair of the Prairie Island Tribal Council, who now serves as vice chair of the Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi board, said hiding the medallion at the sacred site is disrespectful as it’s a place of prayer and a final resting place for their people.
Lori Swanson, a marketing consultant who directs the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, said the nature sanctuary will be off limits for future hunts.
Members of a Native American nonprofit in St. Paul, Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi, who manage the sanctuary, also expressed their disappointment and considered the act as disrespect.