Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to host free educational events to celebrate ‘We Are Water’ traveling exhibit

SHAKOPEE, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today announced that its cultural center, Hocokata .i [ho-cho-kah-tah-tee], will host three educational events in November. The events are in conjunction with the We Are Water MN statewide traveling exhibit, which the tribe is hosting now through Dec. 7.

The We Are Water MN exhibit is organized by the Minnesota Humanities Center and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, along with other state agencies and partners. Created in 2016, the exhibit explores people’s connection to water through stories and experiences from communities throughout Minnesota—and invites visitors to contribute their own water stories. Several SMSC members contributed their own stories to the exhibit.

Hocokata .i will host three special events in November focusing on water conservation in farming, the Minnesota River and Native fashion:

• Water and Food Discussion (Nov. 7 at 4 p.m.)

Staff from the tribe’s organic farm, Wozupi Tribal Gardens, will lead a discussion on ecological farming and water conservation practices that the farm utilizes to be a good steward of the earth and protect U.cí Mak.a (Grandmother Earth) for generations to come. After the presentation, attendees will enjoy a selection of dishes highlighting ingredients native to this region. Spots are limited for this event. Learn more and register here.

• Shakopee Riverfront Tour (Nov. 15 at 1 p.m.)

Tribal staff will take attendees on a guided tour along the banks of the Minnesota River at Memorial Park in Shakopee. Guests will learn about the plants, animals and people that share a connection through the land. Tour guides will also share the history of the park, Pond Mission site, and the contemporary efforts to share Dakota history at the park and other areas along the Minnesota River. Spots are limited for this event. Learn more and register here.

• Hocokata .i Fashion Show (Nov. 21 with a reception at 5 p.m. and show at 6:15 p.m.)

The cultural center will host a fashion show exploring the theme “Water Fits All.” The show will feature designs from Native artists such as Bill Brien, Georgina Drapeau, Marlena Myles, Kayla Lookinghorse, and Jocy and Trae Little Sky. DJ AO will provide music, and Redwing Thomas will serve as the emcee. Spots are limited for this event. Learn more and register here.

The SMSC also hosted a water stewardship family event to celebrate the launch of the exhibit stop on Oct. 17.

“Our tribe is committed to being a good steward of the earth and protecting and preserving the environment for generations to come – including water resources,” said SMSC Chairman Cole Miller. “We are happy to host this traveling exhibit and several events to encourage people’s interest in and knowledge about water issues here in our state.”

Hocokata .i is the SMSC’s cultural center and gathering space that is used to interpret and encourage traditional Mdewakanton Dakota cultural heritage, language and history by sustaining this inherent knowledge for SMSC Members through exhibitions, preservation and education. It includes a permanent public exhibit, called Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake, that provides visitors with a cultural experience to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the Mdewakanton Dakota people and their history.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribal government located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is dedicated to helping build strong, healthy communities. The tribe is a committed community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County and attract millions of visitors to the region. For more information, visit ShakopeeDakota.org.

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