Snake River Fur Post conversations reach 'a bit of a pause'

Conversations about fully reopening the Snake River Fur Post in Pine City have reached “a bit of a pause” as community stakeholders work out how to best move forward.

On March 17, Pine County commissioner Steve Hallan said that Native American groups are seeking a Native cultural survey done at the historic site.

"We don't own the site, the historical society does, so I believe the best interest of Pine County is to wait and see what comes out of that, and we can pick up wherever that leads," Hallan said.

At Wednesday’s Pine City Council meeting, mayor Kent Bombard explained that the state historical society and tribal organizations are working to find next steps forward.

"It seems as though some tribal entities are now getting involved with some cultural heritage sites," Bombard said. "So things are kind of pumping the brakes a little bit while the Minnesota Historical Society and the tribal organizations are working to find next steps moving forward."

Bombard said no next meeting is currently planned, and that the Fur Post grounds are still open for self-guided walking tours while the visitor center remains closed.

Allison Ortiz, the head of communications for the Minnesota Historical Society, said the organization is exploring how best to operate the site in the future.

Ortiz added that “positive and productive” discussions will continue in the coming weeks and months.

The update from the Minnesota Historical Society provided by Ortiz reads:

"The Minnesota Historical Society is part of ongoing conversations with Pine City, Pine County, and community members about how best to protect and share the important history of the Snake River Fur Post. The site and surrounding area holds historic and cultural significance to Native communities in the region, and we are exploring the best way to study these resources for their long-term protection. While no decisions have been made, these positive and productive discussions will continue in the coming weeks and months about how best to operate this site in the future so that Minnesotans can learn about this important history."