The SMSC launches $6 million campaign to improve the physical and mental wellness of Native youth in Minnesota
Prior Lake, Minn. — The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today announced the launch of IndigeFit Kids, a $6 million, three-year philanthropic campaign to improve the physical fitness and mental wellness of Native youth in Minnesota. SMSC Vice-Chairwoman Natasha Hacker and Secretary/Treasurer Ashley Cornforth, who will co-chair the campaign for the tribe, announced the effort along with several key strategic partners and Community youth today at the Minneapolis American Indian Center.
“Good health of Native youth today is fundamental to the vitality of Native communities for generations to come, but health problems are significantly more common among Native American youth than among their peers in the general population,” said Vice-Chairwoman Hacker. “We believe that through a dedicated campaign we can change this reality and close health disparities among young Native Americans in Minnesota by giving them more resources to lead active, healthy lives.”
IndigeFit Kids is a large-scale effort to deploy resources and draw on expertise to improve the physical fitness and wellness of Native youth statewide. This campaign will fund a variety of projects and programs focused on physical fitness and wellness; commission research; raise public awareness; support efforts to Indigenize athletic programs; and more.
“There are many long-standing environmental factors and social determinants of health that impact the overall health and wellness of Native youth, but by focusing on physical activity, good nutrition and healthy habits, we can create brighter futures for Native kids and communities,” said Secretary/Treasurer Cornforth.
Strategic partners in the IndigeFit Kids campaign’s first activities include KABOOM!, the national nonprofit working to end playspace inequity; Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, one of the nation’s leading academic health organizations focused on the health of Native communities; and the Minnesota Vikings, one of the region’s leaders in promoting fitness and physical activity among youth.
Through IndigeFit Kids, the SMSC is providing $1.5 million to KABOOM! over the next three years. The SMSC has commissioned KABOOM! to conduct a first-of-its-kind research project to assess the adequacy of playspaces in Native communities in Minnesota, both in reservation settings and in urban areas. The SMSC has also committed to fund the building of five new community-designed playspaces with KABOOM! in Native communities in Minnesota over the next three years.
IndigeFit Kids is also granting $500,000 to the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health to conduct a planning study to prepare for an in-depth, culturally appropriate research initiative to focus on holistic health among Native youth, with special focus on physical activity and the obstacles and pathways for promoting good health among Native youth. This study over the next two years would represent the essential first step to embarking on the most thorough, wide-ranging study of Native youth fitness and health ever undertaken in Indian Country and would determine the best ways in which it should be conducted.
IndigeFit Kids will also partner with the Minnesota Vikings in expanding team sports and wellness opportunities for Native kids. More details to be announced in the future.
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.
About IndigeFit Kids
IndigeFit Kids is a philanthropic campaign of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) dedicated to empowering Native youth through fitness and wellness. The SMSC has committed $6 million to improve the physical and mental wellness of Native youth in Minnesota. Launched in January 2025 as a three-year campaign, IndigeFit Kids funds a variety of projects and programs that support the physical fitness and wellness of Native youth; commissions research; raises awareness; supports efforts to Indigenize athletic programs; and more. For more information, visit IndigeFitKids.org.
About KABOOM!
KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ending playspace inequity – the reality that quality places to play are not available to every child, especially in communities of color. Since 1996, KABOOM! has partnered with kids and communities to build or improve 17,000+ playspaces and ensure that nearly 12 million kids have equitable access to the crucial benefits and opportunities that playspaces offer. In 2022, KABOOM! launched the 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity to accelerate its mission in 25 high-priority locations over five years. Learn more at kaboom.org or join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About the Center for Indigenous Health
The Center for Indigenous Health (JHCIH) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, founded in 1991, is dedicated to promoting Indigenous health equity through evidence-based public health programs, education, innovative research, policy advocacy, and the dissemination of proven programs tailored to community needs. For over 30 years, the Center has braided Indigenous cultural strengths with Western and Indigenous sciences to improve health and well-being across the lifespan. With deep-rooted connections to tribes in the Southwest, regional hubs in the Great Lakes and Great Plains, and partnerships with over 175 Indigenous communities across 29 states and globally, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the Center has co-designed culturally grounded health interventions. These interventions prioritize the empowerment of Indigenous leaders and staff to effect change within their own communities, with 80% of its 330-member team being Indigenous. The core areas of focus include Policy & Advocacy, Education & Training, Research & Evaluation, and Wise Practices, all aimed at empowering Indigenous communities through respectful and collaborative partnerships. The Center’s unwavering commitment to partnership, integrity, and community-based participatory research is at the heart of everything it does. Its mission is to work in partnership with communities to advance Indigenous well-being and health leadership to the highest level, with a vision of thriving Indigenous communities worldwide.
For more information, visit cih.jhu.edu.
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Prescribed Burns to Take Place in the Coming Week
Prescribed burns have been scheduled for several locations around the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and nearby areas in the week ahead, weather dependent. These locations include:
- Southeast prairie at the junction of Eagle Creek Boulevard and McKenna Road.
- Southeast prairie at the junction of Eagle Creek Boulevard and County Road 21.
- Southeast oak savanna at the junction of County Road 14 and Townline Avenue.
- Oak Savanna, located in Shakopee Memorial Park.
- Prairie northwest of the junction at Mystic Lake Drive and Tintaocanku Drive.
- Median prairies located on Dakotah Parkway.
More prescribed burns may follow in the coming days depending on wind directions. Prescribed burns are used to clear away dry brush in areas to limit the risk of wildfires, as well as foster conditions for new plant growth. They are conducted by professionals upon request and through mutual aid agreements and planned according to weather and wind directions.
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, Hoċokata Ṫi [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.
Hoċokata Ṫi 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 Uŋcí Mak̇a (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. - Hoċokata Ṫi 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.”
Hoċokata Ṫi 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.
Download an image of Hoċokata Ṫi here.
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.
Bay Mills Indian Community gets $106k grant for Firekeeper’s Lodge construction
Bay Mills Indian Community will start construction on a new Firekeeper’s Lodge next spring, thanks in part to grant funding of $106k from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota. The Shakopee are well known for their philanthropic efforts to support education and culture.
The new lodge, which will be located adjacent to the Bay Mills Cultural Center on Tower Road, will help keep the Anishnaabe tradition of firekeeping alive on the reservation.
SMSC Proud to Support Construction of Indigenous Peoples Task Force’s New Cultural Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 15, 2024 – Indigenous Peoples Task Force will be breaking ground on its new center for culture, arts, and wellness on Tuesday, October 15 at 3 PM at 2313 13th Ave S. The new building will be called Mikwanedun Audisookon, which means “remember our teachings” in Ojibwe.
All of Indigenous Peoples Task Force programs incorporate the Seven Grandfather Teachings. In the words of Executive Director Sharon Day, “Fulfilling those value systems is what makes us indigenous; the new building will be a central place where young people can come and learn what does it mean to be Indigenous.”
The groundbreaking ceremony will also incorporate the teachings. Beginning with a tobacco ceremony, speakers will each honor how each of these teachings brought us to this ground- breaking day. The Ikidowin Youth Theater Ensemble will sing and drum.
The Mikwanedun Audisookon Center was created through a community-based design process. The Task Force began to raise funds for the project in 2014 and made many new friends and allies along the way. The project represents a $12 million investment in the Phillips neighborhood, 25% of funds came from foundations and individual donors and 75% of funds from the State of Minnesota, City of Minneapolis, and Hennepin County.
Youth interns have already been begun the work of creating the compressed earth building blocks for the building. The compressed earth blocks as well as passive solar design are some of the building’s sustainable design elements. Gardens surrounding the building will produce food that will be served in the Center’s commercial kitchen.
The building will include a black box theater, making Ikidowin Youth AcOng Ensemble the first Black or Indigenous-led theater in Minneapolis to own their own theater.
In total the building will have over 12,000 square feet including a community café, commercial kitchen, performing arts space, clinical meeting rooms and office space. The location is between the Pillsbury United Community Center and Maynidoowahdak Odena Housing Community
Since 1987, Indigenous Peoples Task Force has been at the forefront of closing the health equity gap for Native American and other marginalized communities impacted by HIV/AIDS across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Based on Indigenous values and ways of knowing, our programs have grown to include services that promote the integral role of and return to the centrality of first medicines, the use of cultural arts to support youth development, and
programs that foster food security in ways that reconnect Indigenous and other peoples to the land and waters.
Inclusiveness and respect for diversity are central tenets of traditional NaOve American cultures. Though Indigenous Peoples Task Force programs are based in NaOve values and ways of knowing, they are open to youth and adults of all backgrounds. Mikwanedun Audisookon Center will provide safe space where anyone can restore and renew their relationship with each other and the environment.
Contact:
Sharon Day
smarieday@aol.com
(651) 325-8077
Indigenous Peoples Task Force
1335 E. 23rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55404
Public invited to SMSC Wacipi powwow, Aug. 16-18
Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) invites the public to its annual SMSC Wacipi (pronounced “wah-chee-pee”), Friday, Aug. 16, through Sunday, Aug. 18. Held at the tribe’s Wacipi Grounds in Shakopee, the free weekend-long event draws hundreds of dancers and thousands of visitors each year.
A Wacipi, or powwow, is a traditional Native American celebration of life. Meaning “they all dance” in the Dakota language, the Wacipi was historically used by Native peoples to gather at the end of a season, celebrate a good hunt or recognize a positive event. While the dances still hold sacred ceremonial meaning for those who participate, the SMSC Wacipi has evolved into a contest powwow, where dancers and drum groups compete for top honors in a variety of style categories. The event also includes vendors of Native American crafts and foods.
The schedule for the weekend includes:
Friday, Aug. 16
Grand Entry at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Grand Entries at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Fireworks at 10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 18
Grand Entry at 1 p.m.
Attendees can take a free shuttle bus from Mystic Lake Casino Hotel’s hotel entrance, the Mystic Lake bus entrance, Hoċokata Ṫi or Little Six Casino to the Wacipi Grounds. Shuttles will run from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. on Aug. 16, 8 a.m.-2 a.m. on Aug. 17, and 8 a.m. until the end of the Wacipi on Aug. 18. Parking is also available on site.
The SMSC will also hold a free Wacipi exhibition at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Mall of America rotunda.
For more information, please visit smscwacipi.org.
Photos and video footage will be available in our media library page.
About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and donates more to Indian Country than any other tribal government or organization in the country. It is a strong community partner, a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources, and is dedicated to preserving its culture and history. 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.