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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

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Media Coverage

Brooks: How a Dakota nonprofit is working to reconnect Minneapolis to its lost history

By Jennifer Brooks, The Minnesota Star Tribune "The lost history of Minneapolis is being restored along the riverbank, step by step, seedling by seedling. A soaring waterfall once churned the…