Mission

We strive to create a welcoming environment where cultural traditions and land-based experiences come together to foster self-discovery, community connection, and a deeper understanding of our Dakota identity.

Our approach is grounded in active listening, respectful support, and a shared commitment to the well-being of all participants.

Statement

We are dedicated to helping you connect with the rich cultural heritage of our Dakota community. Through immersive, hands-on experiences, you’ll explore our language, protocols, customs, and land-based teachings.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the significance of harvesting, our sacred sites, and community traditions that continue to guide us. Our approach is rooted in respect, peace, and empowerment—ensuring you feel welcomed and supported every step of the way.

Programming Offered

The Culture land-based program offers a range of initiatives firmly established in Dakota Cultural traditions. Programs encompass porcupine quill harvesting, beading classes, silverberry picking, , red willow picking & star knowledge education. Our craft initiatives include parfleche making, moccasin creating, elk teeth necklace creations and shawl making. We emphasize honoring the seasonal equinox through celebratory feasts & cultural education. Future program development is eagerly anticipated.

Highlighted Events

Youth Program

The Youth “Wikoshke & Koshka” Program, designed for ages 12–17, has successfully engaged 7–12 participants per session, with each activity emphasizing cultural significance. Recently, the program proudly celebrated its one-year anniversary. To mark the milestone, the youth enjoyed a fun outing to Brandon, where they shared a pizza supper, played arcade games, and ended the evening with a Slurpee treat. The celebration also included a time of reflection, where participants shared their favorite memories and discussed the valuable lessons they’ve learned throughout the year

Fishing

As part of our fishing program, we turned a few of the sessions into a friendly fishing derby. Small prizes were awarded in multiple categories: Longest, Heaviest, Shortest, and Most Unique Catch with placements in each category. Our very first derby drew an impressive 44 participants. A total of 31 fish were caught and released at our local fishing spot, known as “the Mouth.”

A special highlight of the events was seeing first-time fishers take part. Some participants had never handled tackle before and required a bit of guidance — but that didn’t stop them from making memories. In fact, one of those first-time participants ended up winning first place in the Longest Fish category, showing that everyone had a chance to shine.

Culture Camp 2025 Re-Cap

This year, our Culture Camp took place in a beautiful, open space atop the valley—our own land, with tipi lodges set up against a stunning natural backdrop. Held over three days, each session began at 1:00 PM, giving staff the morning to prepare and ensuring each day ran smoothly. Here’s a look back at an unforgettable camp experience filled with ceremony, culture, food, and community.

Day 1 Highlights: Honoring the Land and Tradition

The camp opened with a morning pipe ceremony, offering prayers for the day and blessings for the buffalo harvest to come. Following opening remarks at 1 PM, participants dove into a dry hide scraping workshop, using hides donated from a previous harvest.

Inside the tipis, youth and families engaged in traditional craft-making, including:

• Elk tooth necklace making
• Beading and quilling
• Shield making
• Drum teachings and large drum set-up

Later in the day, participants gathered around the fire to prepare a meal of bannock, fish, and tea over open flames. The evening closed with a communal supper and a quiet night under the stars for those who chose to camp overnight. It was a powerful and memorable start to camp.

Day 2 Highlights: Buffalo Harvest & Cultural Teachings

The day began with prayers for the arrival of the buffalo. When it came, community hunters assisted with skinning and quartering. The young women stepped up to slice roasts for dry meat, while others helped skin willows to build drying racks.

Additional highlights included:

• Hanging meat over coal for drying
• Traditional crafts: dance stick making, painting, beading, quilling
• Moccasin games and archery for the boys
• Hair braiding with colorful threads for the girls

As the day wound down, underground cooking preparations began for the buffalo roast, to be enjoyed the next day. Campers gathered once more around the fire, deepening bonds and community spirit.

Day 3 Highlights: Celebration & Feast

The final day opened with a morning ceremony, offering gratitude for the food and guidance throughout camp. Volunteers helped cut and bag the dry meat, which was then shared with Elders and community members—with portions set aside for soup and jerky.

Afternoon activities included:

• Dakota-language Bingo, which drew a huge crowd
• Continued crafts and moccasin games
• Fresh bannock over the fire (including a raisin version)

Later, a hoop dance performance energized the grounds. The dancer invited the crowd to join, backed by a group of talented young singers who filled the air with powerful music throughout the camp.

Finally, the buffalo roast was unearthed—falling off the bone, rich in flavor, and deeply satisfying. A buffet feast followed, featuring:

• Buffalo meat
• Potatoes with gravy
• Coleslaw & vegetables
• Traditional Corn (Peshdaypi) Soup with smoke buffalo meat
• Traditional pudding for dessert

Only 4 trays of food remained from the original 9, and all were offered as take-home portions to ensure the blessings of the camp could be shared.

With 338 participants over three incredible days, this year’s Culture Camp was a true success—filled with connection, learning, and cultural pride. Thank you to everyone who joined us, from volunteers and staff to community members and youth. Together, we honored our traditions, our land, and each other.

We look forward to next year’s Culture Camp—and hope to see even more of you there!

Other Offers

• Star Knowledge
• Prayer Teachings
• Tipsina Harvesting (Wild Turnips)
• Learning Dakota Words
• The history of Flowers Day
• History of Dakota People
• Cultural Teachings and Protocols
• Buffalo Teachings
• Sharing Circles
• Animal Behaviors
• Roots and Medicine
• Archery
• Horse Teachings
• Harvesting & Cleaning Berries
• Canoe Use
• Learning how to make a fire
• Hunting & Harvesting
• Grief Packages
• Smudge Kits
• Various Dakota Crafts (Beading, Quilling, Sewing, Etc.)