ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) announced on Friday, October 16th that two Minnesota businesses discriminated against Native American customers by refusing to recognize identification cards issued by their Tribal Nations.
The department found probable cause that Wings Financial Credit Union in Coon Rapids and The Office Pub and Grill in Minneapolis violated state civil rights protections after denying services to customers who presented valid Tribal identification cards issued by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate and Red Lake Nation.
The findings highlight ongoing concerns about the recognition of Tribal identification cards and the treatment of Native Americans seeking everyday services, including banking and dining.
“Tribal identification is an integral part of a Tribe’s sovereignty, right to self-determination, and self-governance,” said MDHR Commissioner Rebecca Lucero in the department’s announcement.
“Schools, businesses, and law enforcement cannot refuse Tribal identification or require additional burdens on Tribal members who use their Tribal ID.”
Two Investigations Find Probable Cause of Discrimination
According to MDHR, the two cases involved separate complaints filed by Native American customers who were denied services after presenting identification issued by their respective Tribal Nations.
In the first case, investigators found that Wings Financial Credit Union in Coon Rapids repeatedly denied a customer access to her bank account when she presented a valid identification card issued by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate.
The department found that the credit union required the customer to provide additional documentation not required of other customers, treated her with hostility, and prevented her from fully accessing banking services.
In the second case, MDHR found that The Office Pub and Grill, a Minneapolis sports bar, refused to serve a customer on three separate occasions after he presented a valid Red Lake Nation identification card as proof of age.
Despite the identification confirming that the customer was of legal age, the establishment continued to deny him service.
After its investigation, MDHR found probable cause to believe discrimination occurred in both cases.
Tribal Identification and Sovereignty
Minnesota shares geography with 11 sovereign Tribal Nations, including seven Anishinaabe reservations and four Dakota communities. Each Tribal Nation maintains its own government and authority to issue identification to its citizens.
Tribal identification cards are official documents issued by sovereign Tribal governments and reflect Tribal citizenship and self-governance.
Under Minnesota law, Tribal identification cards are recognized as acceptable identification in circumstances where a Minnesota identification card is accepted.
Minnesota Statute § 171.072(a) states:
“If a Minnesota identification card is deemed an acceptable form of identification in Minnesota Statutes or Rules, a Tribal identification card is also an acceptable form of identification.”
The department emphasized that businesses cannot impose additional requirements on Tribal members simply because they present Tribal identification instead of a state-issued ID.
Refusing Tribal identification or requiring additional documentation from Tribal citizens may constitute discrimination under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
The announcement also comes amid broader concerns about the treatment of Native Americans by federal immigration enforcement officers.
According to MDHR, Native American community members were harassed and, in some cases, detained by federal immigration agents during Operation Metro Surge after officers refused to recognize their Tribal identification cards.
Tribal Nations responded by reaffirming that identification cards issued to enrolled citizens are valid forms of identification.
Department Seeking Changes to Prevent Future Discrimination
Following the findings, MDHR said it will work with affected individuals and businesses to seek changes to prevent similar incidents.
The department encourages Minnesota businesses to review their identification policies and provide employee training to ensure they properly recognize Tribal identification cards.
The findings also remind us that Tribal sovereignty and the recognition of Tribal citizenship extend beyond Tribal lands and into everyday interactions with businesses and institutions throughout Minnesota.
MDHR enforces the Minnesota Human Rights Act on non-Tribal lands, including the locations where both incidents occurred.
How to Report Discrimination
Native Americans who believe they have experienced discrimination because of their Tribal identification or other protected characteristics can submit a complaint inquiry to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
Individuals can contact the department through its online discrimination inquiry form.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is Minnesota’s civil rights enforcement agency and investigates discrimination and enforces protections under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
