SMSC Stories

SMSC Co-Hosts Tribal Water Workshop

This fall, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and Prairie Island Indian Community co-hosted a Tribal Water Workshop for water protectors and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 5 tribes. The conference provided attendees with presentations, tours, and breakout sessions on a variety of important topics pertaining to this critical natural resource, including stormwater practices, drone applications, green roof basics, lake and prairie restoration, and Dakota history.

Thirty-one tribes were represented at the conference, which marked the first time a Dakota tribe has ever hosted this event. With the SMSC and Prairie Island trading off hosting duties, the workshop demonstrated the kinship the two tribes have with Uŋcí Mak̇a (Grandmother Earth) and the value the tribes place on living in harmony with our natural surroundings.

The Tribal Water Workshop takes place every two years and will be held next in Michigan in 2024.