Skip to main content

Mní Wičóni

WATER IS LIFE / THE RIVER IS A SPIRIT

Wókizi. Ihdúwitayapi. Waúŋspekhiye. Wówaš’ake. Wówakhaŋ.

Heal. Connect. Teach. Strength. Power.

Owámniyomni Okhódayapi is a Dakota-led non-profit creating a future where Dakota culture has a vital presence and Dakota values – such as mni wičóni, or water is life – are embedded into our communal existence. We are currently working to transform five acres of land at Owámniyomni (St. Anthony Falls) into a place of restoration, education, healing and connection.

First Season

Engagement that centers Native voices.

2016-2022

Second Season

Developing a framework for Dakota leadership.

2023-2025

Third Season

Transformation through cultural & environmental restoration.

2026-2027

Fourth Season

Connecting and healing with all our relatives.

2028+

Owámniyomni Okhódayapi

Turbulent waters. To be friends with, to be friendly, to befriend.
Pronounced: Oh-WAH-mini-yo-mini Oh-KOH-dah-yah-pee

Centering Native voices.

Tribal leaders, culture keepers, artists, and environmentalists convened to set guiding principles for this work.

Indigenizing the River.

A network of Indigenous-led projects are connected by water, spirit, and intent. Together, we have collective impact.

Care for land and water as relatives.

Early design ideas include restoring Indigenous landscape and reintroducing active, flowing, water to the site.

Events & Engagement

There are no upcoming events.

In the News

VIEW ALL POSTS
Media Coverage

Owámniyomni: Still We Gather

By Kachina Yeager, Open Rivers "On behalf of Open Rivers, I had an extended conversation with my mom and sister about their work at Owámniyomni Okhodayapi—a Minneapolis-based, Dakota-led nonprofit currently working to…