Researching Dakota Family History

Newspapers and Other Periodicals

The Minnesota Historical Society Library has microfilm copies of most newspapers published in Minnesota, arranged by city of publication. There was a great variation in the news from Indian communities covered by non-Indian newspapers. You can check for obituaries, however, if you have a date of death for a family member. For death dates between 1905 and 1996, check the online Death Certificates Index. The MHS Library also has several newspapers published by or for Indians:

• Dakota Friend (Dakota Tawaxitku)
• Iapi Oaye (The Word Carrier)

Submit an obiturary request. Staff will search for one individual in up to two different newspapers per request.