Hoċokata Ti

HoĊokata Ti is the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s cultural center. The center looks to educate guests on Mdewakanton Dakota culture.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

Center offers insight to Mdewakanton Dakota culture

5 things to check out at Hoċokata Ti

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s cultural center HoĊokata Ti centers much of its work on educating the public about Mdewakanton Dakota culture.

Here are five unique things visitors should check out at HoĊokata Ti this year, according to the center.

1. ‘MDEWAKANTON: DWELLERS OF THE SPIRIT LAKE’

public exhibit called “Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake.” The exhibit looks to provide a cultural experience that enhances visitors’ knowledge and understanding of the Mdewakanton Dakota people and their history. Visitors also get a closer look at items such as clothes, dolls, beaded objects and tools.

The exhibit starts with “The Creation Story,” a video taking visitors through stories describing the creation of the Dakota people. “Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake” finishes off with where the SMSC is today, so visitors get a comprehensive understanding of who the Dakota people are.

HOĊOKATA TI

Location: 2300 Tiwahe Circle, Shakopee Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday Info: hocokatati.org

2. GIFT SHOP

HoĊokata Ti has its own gift shop in the building featuring a variety of Native-made art, jewelry, books, beaded and quilled items, crafts supplies, home goods and botanical supplies.

According to the SMSC, the gift shop’s purpose is to further build upon HoĊokata Ti’s ultimate mission of educating visitors about the Dakota people.

3. ARCHITECTURE AND LANGUAGE

“Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake” is a 3,805-square-foot public exhibit at the cultural center and takes visitors through the history of the Mdewakanton Dakota people and culture.

ments that help showcase the Dakota culture. HoĊokata Ti’s website states that “the tribe’s Mdewakanton heritage is embedded in every detail of the building’s design,” including custom-made Dakota patterns used for the event chairs and the creation of seven 40-foot tipis that border the exterior of the building.

Hearing and reading the Dakota language throughout the public exhibit also provides a deeper understanding of the Dakota people.

4. PUBLIC REFERENCE LIBRARY

HoĊokata Ti has a public library on the ground floor that can provide additional learning opportunities and help with research about Dakota people and Native Americans across the continent.

The library is open for guests to visit and read up on a number of topics drawing back to Native history, heritage and culture.

5. ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The grounds at HoĊokata Ti are home to restored prairie and wildlife, offering a unique look at endangered landscapes. The cultural center also hosts multiple public events throughout the year featuring Native American authors, artists, Dakota language, and other opportunities to learn more about Dakota culture and ways of life.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

HoĊokata Ti has a public library on the ground fl oor that can provide additional learning opportunities and help with research about Dakota people and Native Americans across the continent.