Introduction and Act 1: Scene1

Act 1: Scene2

Act 2

Act 3

The play you can hear on this website, “Conflict and Cooperation”, is historical fiction, based on actual facts and events that happened in 1862 and 1863. It gives voice to the people who lived in Faribault at this time, often using direct quotes attributed to individuals drawn from the era's historical documentation. The play was recorded in May of 2003 at the Minnesota Academy for the Blind by students from Roosevelt Middle School, under the direction of 6th grade teacher Linda Dean.

The first scene of Act 1 introduces us to some of the members of the Farmer Band of Dakota Indians, led by Taopi. The Farmer Band of Indians has broken off from the larger band of Dakota; they have adopted many ways of white culture and living. The other Dakota are angry at the treatment they have received from the U.S. government over the years, and in 1862, their rage boils over. The actions taken by the Dakota, by the town settlers, and by Taopi and his band will have an impact on the town of Faribault, the state and the entire country for decades to come…

Click to Hear the Introduction and Act 1: Scene1

The second scene of Act 1 shows the torn loyalties among the Dakota. Taopi and his followers want to live peacefully, and have accepted the actions of the U.S. government. The other Dakota – some of whom are Taopi’s friends and relatives – choose to fight their treatment. They pressure Taopi and the others to side with them.

Click to Hear Act 1: Scene2

In Act 2, we hear the anguish of Bishop Henry Whipple and his wife, Cornelia Whipple as they discuss the aftermath of the war. The Indians – all of the Indians, whether they took part in the war or not – have been held captive at Fort Snelling for several months, awaiting their fate. Several hundred of them have been condemned to death. Conditions in the Fort are terrible and many have died. Bishop Whipple and others have been fighting for justice for the Dakota. In particular, they are concerned about what will happen to Taopi and his band of Farmer Indians, who are considered traitors by the other Dakota.

Click to Hear Act 2

The final act of “Conflict and Cooperation” happens almost a year after the War. Most of the Dakota have been forced to leave Minnesota to live on reservations far from Faribault. The Farmer Band of Dakota (Taopi’s band) has been allowed to stay in the state, and Alexander Faribault has allowed them to live on his land. Unfortunately, this does not sit well with many of the people of Faribault…

Click to Hear Act 3