St. Paul – Learning from Place: Bdote
September 19 @ 8:30 am - 2:30 pm CDT
$75
Learning from Place: Bdote is a place-based experience led by Dakota community members at sites of deep significance in the Twin Cities. Participants engage with Dakota history and contemporary perspectives through story, observation, and shared reflection.
This experience is open to the general public and is particularly beneficial for educators and others seeking to deepen their understanding of Minnesota history and Dakota perspectives. Due to the nature of the content and the length of the day, this experience is not recommended for young children.
For more information, visit the Learning from Place: Bdote program page.
Co-Leads (click to expand/collapse)
Ramona Kitto Stately is an enrolled member of the Santee Sioux Dakhóta Nation. She has a BA in Dakota Art and Culture and a MAE in Teacher Leadership. She is Project Director for We Are Still Here Minnesota and serves as chairperson of the Minnesota Indian Education Association. Ramona was the recipient of the 2021 Ron McKinley Award from Minnesota Education Equity Partnership and the 2023 McKnight Culture Bearers Award. She currently serves on the Indigenous Elder Advisory Board for Carleton College.
Fern Naomi Renville is an artist, storyteller, enrolled citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, and seventh-generation descendant of Chief Gabriel Renville. Born on the Lake Traverse Reservation in South Dakota, Fern currently lives and works in Saint Paul as an educator sharing music, story, and land-based learning to promote greater understanding and knowledge of Dakota people.
What to Expect (click to expand/collapse)
- You will visit Bdote (Fort Snelling State Park)* in the morning and Wic̣aḣapi** in the afternoon, with a break for lunch on your own.
- A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required for Fort Snelling State Park. [Day passes can be purchased in advance.]
- You will walk up to one mile over mostly flat terrain with periods of standing. You are welcome to bring a small folding or camping chair for comfort.
- The experience takes place outdoors; please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
- Some of the content may bring up strong emotions.
*Fort Snelling State Park: 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul – access is via Post Road, near the Mpls.-St. Paul Airport
**Wic̣aḣapi: Mounds Blvd and Earl St., St. Paul
Accessibility (click to expand/collapse)
For information about accessibility and physical considerations, please visit the FAQ section of the Learning from Place: Bdote program page. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss your needs, contact Eden Bart.
K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours.
Participants provide their own transportation, lunch, snacks, and beverages.
Registration
Registration for this event will open on July 27, 2026.