This winter, immerse yourself in the beauty and wisdom of Dakota culture at a one-of-a-kind event celebrating traditional teachings, storytelling, and innovative artistry. This vibrant gathering will feature a Native art market showcasing incredible Indigenous creations, stunning snow sculptures, and free coloring pages that highlight Dakota plant knowledge. Enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, sledding, and a live demonstration of traditional Dakota snowshoe craftsmanship using ash trees. Experience the ingenuity of Dakota practices with a nettle cordage demonstration and marvel at the captivating augmented reality of Wazíya, the winter wind spirit, brought to life through cutting-edge technology.
Bring your family and friends for a meaningful day filled with culture, creativity, and winter fun! Don’t miss this unique celebration that honors Dakota traditions while embracing the spirit of the season.
The event featured free coloring pages created by Dakota artist Marlena Myles, sharing the importance of Dakota plant knowledge and their vital role during the winter season. These coloring pages were part of a Winter Plant Series, which included inspiring writings from Dakota authors Diane Wilson and Blue Hummingbird Woman. Their reflections explored the connection between plants, people, and the land during this season of rest and renewal.
A highlight of the celebration was Marlena Myles’ captivating augmented reality (AR) installation, featuring Wazíya, the spirit of the winter wind. Wazíya, a powerful figure in Dakota culture, embodies both the challenges and beauty of winter’s hardships. Through this AR experience, participants encountered a striking visual representation of Wazíya, with a human figure raising their arms to the sky and a buffalo skull floating between them.
Adding a unique visual element, Heather Fiedler presented a stunning snow sculpture honoring Dakota women’s deep connection to the land and the park as a place to grow and harvest traditional foods. This sculpture served as a tribute to the enduring relationship between Dakota women, the environment, and the cultural practices that sustain their communities.
The Tamarack Nature Center added another enriching layer to the event by bringing animal relatives to share teachings about their winter lives. These interactive experiences provided attendees with an opportunity to learn how animals adapt to and thrive in winter, deepening their understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world.
The event also showcased demonstrations by Dakota artists and educators. Dawi Westerman presented traditional Dakota snowshoes made from ash trees, a vital winter tool crafted from materials harvested during the colder months. Fern Renville provided hands-on demonstrations of how to make cordage from nettle, another essential winter resource. These presentations celebrated the ingenuity of Dakota people in transforming natural materials into tools and resources that support community and cultural resilience.
To add to the festive atmosphere, local food trucks Trickster Tacos and Mami Churros & Creamery were onsite, offering delicious options for attendees to enjoy. This celebration was hosted in partnership with Ramsey County Parks & Recreation as part of Marlena Myles and Tara Perron’s participation in the Minnesota Parks Artist in Residency (MNPAir) program.
The event provided a meaningful opportunity to learn about Dakota culture through art, storytelling, traditional practices, and community gathering. After the event, resources—including Marlena Myles’ coloring pages and augmented reality installation—became available through Wíyouŋkihipi, allowing participants to continue exploring Dakota traditions and innovation from anywhere. It was a wonderful chance to connect with Dakota knowledge and artistry while celebrating the beauty of winter!