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.

A highlight of the celebration was the free coloring pages by Dakota artist Marlena Myles, part of her Winter Plant Series. These pages showcased the essential role of Dakota plant knowledge during the winter season, featuring inspiring writings by Diane Wilson and Blue Hummingbird Woman. Together, they explored the intertwined relationships between plants, people, and the land during the season of rest and renewal.

Marlena Myles also debuted an awe-inspiring augmented reality (AR) installation featuring Wazíya, the spirit of the winter wind. This immersive piece portrayed a human figure raising their arms skyward, with a buffalo skull floating above—a compelling representation of winter’s beauty and challenges.

Adding a tangible element of artistry, Heather Friedli created a stunning snow sculpture honoring Dakota women’s enduring relationship with the land. The sculpture symbolized the cultural practices and traditions that sustain the community, celebrating the park as a vital space for growth and harvest.

The Tamarack Nature Center brought animal relatives to the event, sharing teachings about their winter adaptations. These interactive experiences deepened attendees’ understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings during the cold season.

Demonstrations by Dakota artists and educators provided hands-on learning opportunities. Dawi Westerman showcased traditional Dakota snowshoes crafted from ash trees, highlighting the importance of seasonally harvested materials. Fern Renville shared the art of making cordage from nettle, a resourceful practice that underscores the ingenuity and resilience of Dakota traditions.

Local food trucks, including Trickster Tacos and Mami Churros & Creamery, added to the festive atmosphere, offering delicious treats that kept spirits high throughout the day.

This vibrant gathering, hosted in collaboration with Ramsey County Parks & Recreation, was part of the Minnesota Parks Artist in Residency (MNPAiR) program. It was made possible through the dedication of Dakota artists like Marlena Myles and Tara Perron, who continue to inspire and educate through their innovative projects.

For those unable to attend, event resources—including Marlena Myles’ coloring pages and the AR installation—are available through our resource page. These materials allow participants to continue exploring Dakota traditions and innovations from anywhere.

The Waziya Winter Wind Celebration was a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together in love, support, and shared purpose. It was a day to remember, full of inspiration, learning, and connection—setting the tone for many more events to come!