SMSC Stories

Hoċokata Ṫi Recognized as a Top Native Museum and Cultural Center

In the fall of 2020, Hoċokata Ṫi was selected by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) as a Top 10 Model Native Museum and Cultural Center. After a two-year delay due to the pandemic, Hoċokata Ṫi staff and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Members were finally able to accept the respected award on October 25 during the annual ATALM conference held at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.

This recognition is given to organizations that serve as a model for ATALM’s Culture Builds Communities Project, which is a program that aims to help Native communities plan cultural facilities.

“The award is a testament to the commitment the Community has made to having a gathering space that allows us to preserve our culture and tell our story,” said Andy Vig, SMSC Community Member and Director of Hoċokata Ṫi. “It is a great honor for the SMSC to receive this award.”

The SMSC was also selected as a 2020 Award of Excellence winner by the American Association of State and Local History Leadership in History (AASLH) awards committee. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards is one of the nation’s most prestigious competitions for recognition of achievement in state and local history.

Hoċokata Ṫi features a 3,805-square-foot public exhibit, Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake, which offers an engaging cultural experience that includes a collection of Dakota artifacts and educational displays that depict the rich history of the Mdewakanton Dakota people.

The Hoċokata Ṫi Gift Shop is also open to the public and features a variety of Native-made art, books, jewelry, beaded and quilled items, craft supplies, and home goods from more than 70 Native artists and Native-owned businesses.

Visit hocokatati.org for exhibit tickets and more information.