Rum River - Naming Controversy

Naming Controversy

The current English name is a mistranslation of the one given to it by the Mdewakanton Dakota (see Dakota) tribe. Though Wakpa waḳaŋ (Spirit(ual)/Mystic River) in the Dakota language, by the late 18th-century Europeans interpreted the Mdewakanton Dakota name for the river not as "Spirit" denoting a mystical force, but instead as "spirit" denoting alcohol and ever since it has been known as the Rum River.

There is an international movement to return the river to its previous "name" on the basis that the current one is a "corruption" of the name's original intent. It is seen as an affront to native sensibilities; (the modern-day Dakota word for "Great Spirit" is, for instance, Waḳaŋ Taŋka). The movement has been endorsed by many tribal and native organizations, human rights organizations, multicultural organizations, the United Nations' Secretariat of the Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues, the Minnesota Historical Society's Indian Advisory Committee, a Minnesota State Legislator and religious leaders, including Archbishop Harry Flynn and Bishop John Kinney. However, some people still believe it is doubtful that such a change will be effected because the modern usage is so entrenched with communities along the river.