Where: Battle Creek Recreation Center, Saint Paul Minnesota
When: January 24, 2026
Series: Marlena Myles & Tanagidan To Win Minnesota Parks Artist-in-Residence (MNPAiR) program (artists-in-residence)
On Saturday, January 24, our community gathered at the Battle Creek Recreation Center to celebrate Wazíya, the Dakota North Wind, through a day of Dakota winter teachings, contemporary Indigenous artistry, and community connection. As part of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, in partnership with Ramsey County Parks and Recreation, the celebration welcomed people of all ages to experience the beauty, resilience, and joy of winter together.
Download these free resources
You are free to print these coloring pages and view the augmented reality of Waziya the Winter anytime, anywhere!
Artists Marlena Myles and Tanáǧidaŋ Tó Wiŋ, along with many incredible community members and guest presenters, shared a full day of hands-on learning, creativity, and cultural teachings.
Throughout the day, participants enjoyed:
• Dakota Winter Games with Jeremy Red Eagle
• Dakota Buffalo Dolls Making with LaVerne Whitebear
• An Indigenous Winter Market featuring 20+ local vendors
• A snow sculpture by Heather Friedli
• Dakota storytelling
• Dakota coloring pages and activity tables
• Delicious food from Trickster Tacos and Indigenous teas
• Free cross-country skiing and kicksledding
Families spent the day listening, learning, creating, shopping, playing, and connecting with one another. Guests warmed up indoors with crafts and tea before heading outside to embrace the winter season through recreation and Dakota teachings.
The celebration highlighted winter as a season of story, reflection, and resilience while sharing Dakota knowledge of the land, plants, animals, and the North Wind. It also celebrated the many Indigenous artists, educators, and makers whose work continues to strengthen our communities and keep our cultures thriving.
A heartfelt pidamaya to everyone who attended, volunteered, presented, performed, vended, and partnered with us to make this celebration possible. Your presence helped create a day filled with warmth, learning, laughter, and community.
❄️ Wazíya brought the North Wind, and together we brought the warmth of community.
