Owámniyomni Okhódayapi
Dakota people view all living things – plants, animals, land, water and people – as relatives. What would our city look like if we treated every neighbor – every wahúnuŋpa (two-legged) – as family? Join Owámniyomni Okhódayapi and partners for a panel discussion and community meal about what it means to be a good relative, how to build bridges between communities, and how strengthening relationships allows us to heal.
Panelists:
- Cheyanne St. John, Lower Sioux Indian Community, THPO
- Samantha Odegard, Pezihutazizi Oyate Dakota (Upper Sioux Indian Community), THPO
- Jewell Arcoren, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Dakota Knowledge Keeper
- Robert Lilligren, White Earth Ojibwe, President & CEO, NACDI
- Moderator: Shelley Buck, Prairie Island Indian Community, President, Owámniyomni Okhódayapi
The Sacred Water Shared Future campaign is powered by you! The heart of this centennial celebration is the incredible variety of events planned and hosted by our partners — community groups, nonprofits, businesses, schools, and individuals who feel a connection to the Mississippi River.
We do not host events ourselves; instead, we serve as a central hub for river-focused activities happening across the Twin Cities throughout 2026.