Commitment to Tribal Nations and Dakota People
We’re committed to deepening our understanding of and relationships with tribal governments, with the Dakota people and with the land. Join us in this journey. The first step is to learn a fuller story of the land we call home. Use this resource hub to listen, read, watch and explore.
Resources to Read, Listen and Watch
Why Treaties Matter Virtual Exhibit
Today, treaties continue to affirm the inherent sovereignty of American Indian nations. Tribal governments maintain nation-to-nation relationships with the United States government. Tribal nations manage lands, resources, and economies, protect people, and build more secure futures for generations to come. That is Why Treaties Matter.
The U.S.-Dakota War of 1862
It has been over 150 years since the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, a disastrous time in Minnesota history. The war had a profound impact in shaping Minnesota as we know it today. This site is a resource for learning about the war, its causes, and its far-reaching consequences.
Native Land Digital map
Native Land Digital is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to providing a free online resource for people looking to learn more about the Indigenous history of the land they live on and visit. Visit the map to find out more about the places connected to your life.
The Lasting Legacy of Place Names, TEDx – Kate Beane, Ph.D.
Through names and narrative, we experience physical places in profound and sometimes unseen ways. A name can evoke a concept, a sense of home, connect us, and have deep meaning for communities and families. Kate Beane, Ph.D. worked with her family to champion the cause of restoring the Dakota name Bde Maka Ska in her ancestral homeland.
The (R)evolution of Indigenous Food Systems of North America Webinar
Chef Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota) focuses on the revitalization and evolution of Indigenous foods systems throughout North America. Our fellow foundation West Central Initiative hosted Chef Sean as part of the Era to Act virtual series.
Philanthropy: Prioritize Native-Led Solutions
Carly Badheart Bull, JD outlines how Native-led organizations have the solutions to address community issues. Carly is executive director at Native Ways Federation and helped lead SWIF through the land acknowledgement process.
Philanthropy Self-Assessment for Working with Tribal Communities
This self-assessment is a tool for philanthropic organizations to determine where you are in your work with tribal communities and identify areas that can be strengthened as you move towards equity and effectiveness.
Minnesota Native News Podcast
Minnesota Native News covers ideas and events relevant to Minnesota’s Native American communities. They also produce the weekly show Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine, featuring stories of people within Minnesota’s Native communities.
Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment
This guide, based on content from a Native Governance Center event, focuses on moving beyond land acknowledgment toward meaningful support and action.
Understand Native Minnesota’s Native Narrative Change News Digest
A compilation of recent media coverage about the Native experience in Minnesota, provided by Understand Native Minnesota to help improve narrative change and education.
Places to Visit in Our Region
Birch Coulee Battlefield
Today a peaceful prairie, Birch Coulee was the site of one of the deadliest battles of the US-Dakota War. Tour the self-guided trails with markers explaining the battle from both Dakota and US perspectives.
Jeffers Petroglyphs
Home to about 5,000 sacred rock carvings made by the ancestors of today’s Native Americans, connecting visitors to those who lived and traveled here in ancient times.
Lower Sioux Agency
Learn about Dakota culture and history and examine the causes of the U.S.-Dakota War. Includes a history exhibit, restored 1861 building, and scenic Minnesota River trails.
Pipestone National Monument
For generations, American Indians have quarried the red pipestone found at this site. These grounds are sacred because the pipestone is carved into pipes used for prayer.
Lac qui Parle Mission
Explore the reconstructed Lac qui Parle Mission. It was here that Joseph Renville worked with missionaries to create the first written Dakota alphabet.