Wadena-(h)

Some time ago, my mother asked me to take my given birth name, before my original father had changed it. " Jason lee wadena." Yeah, it sounds good to me and always has. There are many wadena families- from Millelacs to WhiteEarth to Buffalo Bay. On the resevation of Mille Lacs, there was a time when there were 13 brothers and one sister who lived in the Mille Lacs area. For some of you who might not know, a Wadena in Anishinabe language means " captured sioux or Lakota."

Eventually, 7 out of the 13 brothers left the Mille Lacs area and left for White Earth. The Wadena's who had inhabited the Buffalo bay area, were about 5 families. I do not know how many members there are left in the Buffalo Bay area. One thing "cool" about the original Wadena, was that he could speak both Anishinabe and Lakota. Imagine having this gift in the time of war? How did he feel towards having Lakota blood and yet, having Anishinabeg family, friends and children. How strong did original Wadena have to be against himself. Wadena could easily sneak to enemy Lakota-Dakota war parties, be spotted and play it off as a captured relative or friend. He than could witness what Anishinabeg Villages and bands were going to be attacked and who would be counted as " coup."

Later on the Great Anishinabeg Chief Wadena, always had his Anishinabeg people in mind. He always wanted the best for his bands and people. Many Anishinabeg, never understood his ideas and concerns for his people. Yet, it never distracted his decisions and personal feelings when it came to making wise decisions and yes, mistakes as well.