Many thanks to Prof. Anton Treuer for his article in Monday’s edition (“On Biden’s apology for Native American boarding schools” Strib Voices, November 4). As a non-Native, it has been my privilege to volunteer in the Minneapolis Native community for nearly two decades. In that experience, I found a spirit that was very compatible with my upbringing as an upper-middle-class white person. Treuer’s perspective on President Joe Biden’s apology put it what it is: a small first step toward reconciliation with our Native brothers, but an authentic, sincere and important step. And behind Treuer’s comments is the broader theme of Native tradition that places community above the individual, altruism above the self. Yes, he says, if you are a native whose bitterness is so overwhelming that you cannot accept Biden’s apology, so be it. But don’t be an impediment to this small step towards progress. And for the non-Native community uncomfortable with Biden’s exposure of our genocidal behavior toward Indigenous people, Treuer’s subtext is simple. “Shut up” about this embarrassing past will not make it go away. Finally, as a teacher, and following the excellent native tradition, Treuer uses narration as a didactic tool. His metaphor of a baby taking his first steps and the beautiful future that awaits him is very perfect.

In these times of anxiety and stress, a positive message from our president and a member of the Native community is very encouraging. Again, thank you.

Richard Masur, Minneapolis

As a veterinarian with a PhD in ethology/animal behavior, and having been involved in animal rescue and sheltering in several countries for over 50 years, what hurt me the most was the news that the animal shelter in Mankato is essentially closed (“The conflict closes the animal shelter” November 4). I have deep respect and sympathy for everyone who works in animal shelter operations where they are faced with the reality of having to euthanize some dogs whose aggressive behavior is unmanageable and also unadopted cats due to lack of space and resources.

Some shelters keep these dogs incarcerated for the rest of their lives, which is inhumane but under the pro-life “no kill” motto. Unadopted cats, under this same banner, are released into many communities in the United States to fend for themselves, creating an adverse impact on wildlife, a public health risk, and, for them, too often , a slow death from illness and injury. These are all forms of cruelty that all animal shelter boards should be held responsible for when they oppose euthanasia by in-house veterinary staff.

Michael W. Fox, Golden Valley