Article:
Published in the Mille Lacs Messenger

Man's vision draws statewide Interest

By Brett Larson

Who's to say Don Quizote wasn't on to something when he battled those Windmills? Maybe windmills were symbols of something - technology, perhaps. Maybe one man's windmill is another man's nuclear power plant.

Wahkon resident Tom Dahlheimer's quest to change the name of the Rum River might appear Quixotic to some. But to Dahlheimer it is more than desire for political correctness: it is a calling.

Dahlheimer is somewhat cryptic about the inspiration for his campaign, but it has something to do with his history, and something to do with his faith.

The name "Wahkon" is not just special to the Dakota, for whom it means "Great Spirit." It is also special to Tom Dahlheimer. He first learned about the significance of the word back in the 60s, when he was part of the counter-culture movement in California. His familiarity with the word had something to do with his settling in the town of Wahkon some 25 'years ago.

In 1982, Dahlheimer learned more about the world view behind the word Wahkon when he attended the Tekakwitha conference at St. Johns University. The Conference is a meeting of Indian Catholics from 300 different tribes.

To Dahlheimer, Wahkon is not just a name for the Great Spirit of the Dakota people; it can be used to describe the Great Spirit who transcends culture and religion-the same Christian God Dahlheimer believes in. He has also read that tribes other than the Sioux, like the Hopi and the Mayans, used Wahkon to refer to God.

Just as Dahlheimer's experience with the word Wahkon goes way back, so does his familiarity with the Rum River. He grew up in Anoka, near the confluence of the Rum with the Mississippi. Many years ago, Dahlheimer heard the legend of the naming of the Rum.

According to the book "Minnesota Geographic Names" published by the Minnesota Historical Society, "Rum" was a 'punning translation' of Wahkon, the Dakota word for spirit. Thomas Waters, in his book "The Streams and Rivers of Minnesota," also cites that explanation of the names origin.

Dahlheimer says the translation reflected negative stereotypes and was used antagonistically. The translators presumably were making a comment about Indian alcohol use. As Dahlheimer put it, They said, The only spirit they believe in now is alcohol.

Because of this apparent derogatory implication of the name Rum, Dahlheimer wants the name changed to the original Sioux name, Wahkon. Given his personal history with the name, his is more than just a political agenda; its a spiritual one as well.

It doesn't seem coincidental to him that his parallel relationships with Wahkon and the Rum have dovetailed into a calling. He says there have been many other signs that he is doing what he is supposed to do.

Given those facts. It doesn't surprise him that ministers have been almost unanimously in favor of the change, not just because of the origin of the name, but also because of what it stands for: alcohol.

Dahlheimer has also drummed up support among park board and council members in Anoka, and among the Mdewakanton Dakota, who originally inhabited the Mille Lacs area and gave the river the name Wahkon.

The media have also picked up on Dahlheimers quest. Articles have been published in the Princeton and Anoka papers, and Dahlheimer has been interviewed by both the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. On the morning of June 28, the Pioneer Press ran its story, and Minnesota Public Radio ran a news story about Dahlheimers campaign.

Don Quixote was never taken that Seriously.

His quest hasn't been free of setbacks. The city council from his own town, Wahkon, refused to support his agenda.

Undaunted, Dahlheimer continues to hope that the county boards in Mille Lacs, Sherburne, Isanti and Anoka counties will jump on the bandwagon. Barring that, he has the option of calling for a public hearing on the issue.

He has also contacted Don Wedll, commissioner of natural resources for the Mille Lacs Band, on a number of occasions. Wedll told him the band doesnt have an official position on the issue, but he said recently that they would formulate one.

As for Dahlheimer, he doesn't seem obsessed with his campaign or in a hurry to see his goal accomplished. He continues to work a little at a time, talking to people, sending out letters, and doing research.

He seems convinced that he is doing what he is called to do, and that apparently gives him confidence that it will happen eventually.

If it does, don't expect Tom Dahlheimer to boast about it. After all, he's just doing the will of Wahkon