Where: Battle Creek Recreation Center, Saint Paul Minnesota
When: August 2, 2025
Series: Marlena Myles & Tanagidan To Win Minnesota Parks Artist-in-Residence (MNPAiR) program (artists-in-residence)
On August 1, 2025, the Battle Creek Park Pavilion came alive as community members gathered to celebrate Okáǧa, the Dakota Summer Wind of the South, through an evening of music, storytelling, art, and cultural teachings.
Hosted by Marlena Myles and Blue Hummingbird Woman (Tanáǧidaŋ Tó Wiŋ) as part of the Minnesota Parks Artist in Residence program in partnership with Ramsey County Parks and Recreation, the celebration welcomed families and visitors to experience the warmth, abundance, and creativity that the summer season brings.
The evening featured unforgettable performances by Jackie Bird and Dakota Wind Goodhouse, whose music and flute teachings filled the pavilion with joy and positive energy. Guests also enjoyed moon and winter counting teachings with The First Scout, Dakota henna by Graci Horne, a guided Dakota plant walk, Native food trucks, Dakota coloring pages, augmented reality art, and an Indigenous Summer Market featuring Native artists and makers.
One of the highlights of the evening was introducing visitors to the growing community garden and sharing the stories and relationships of our Dakota plant relatives. It was inspiring to see people exploring the space, learning together, and connecting with the land in new ways.
More than anything, the celebration was about creating a welcoming place where people of all ages and backgrounds could gather to enjoy good food, beautiful art, meaningful conversations, and laughter. The evening reflected the spirit of Okáǧa—a season of growth, vitality, and transformation—and demonstrated how art and culture continue to strengthen community.
Wopida tanka to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, taught, vended, and supported the celebration. A special thank you to Jackie Bird, Dakota Wind Goodhouse, The First Scout, Graci Horne, and all of the artists and knowledge keepers who shared their gifts with the community. Your contributions helped create an evening filled with joy, connection, and lasting memories.
The Okáǧa Summer-Wind Celebration continued to build on the vision for Battle Creek as a place where Dakota culture, environmental stewardship, art, and community come together. We looked forward to welcoming everyone back for Eyá, the Autumn Wind Celebration, as the changing seasons continued to guide our journey together.
Download these free resources
You are free to print these coloring pages and view the augmented reality of Waziya the Winter anytime, anywhere!
