St. Paul – Learning from Place: Bdote for Educators
April 25 @ 8:30 am - 3:30 pm CDT
$75
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive, place-based learning experience that brings participants to sites of deep significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Through stories shared by Dakota community members, educators will engage with histories and perspectives that are often absent from our state’s narrative.
Sites Visited:
- The Bdote at Fort Snelling State Park (ba-DOTE-tay)
- Wicaḣapi (we-CHA-ha-pee; formerly Indian Mounds Regional Park)
- Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Preservation Site (oh-HAY-ya-wa-hee)
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.
FAQs (click to expand/collapse)
Will we be outdoors for the entire experience?
Yes. The experience takes place outdoors at both sites. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Will the experience be canceled if it rains?
No — the experience is held rain or shine. In cases of severe weather, you will be contacted with any necessary adjustments.
What happens if the confluence site is flooded?
Flooding is a possibility, as the park is located in a flood zone. If the Bdote is inaccessible, you will be contacted with instructions to meet at an alternative location. In the past, this has included the Two Rivers Overlook on Shepard Road, which provides a scenic observation point.
How much walking will there be?
You will walk no more than one mile over mostly flat terrain and have periods of standing. You are welcome to bring a small folding or camping chair for comfort. A small portion of the walk at Fort Snelling State Park is on an unpaved trail.
Is the experience accessible?
Parts of the experience may be challenging for individuals with limited mobility due to walking, standing, uneven terrain, and being outdoors for much of the day. Fort Snelling State Park has all-terrain track chairs that can be reserved in advance. If you have questions about accessibility or would like to discuss your needs, please contact Eden Bart (eden@mnhum.org).
What kind of content will be discussed?
You will engage with Dakota history, including creation stories, lifeways, the U.S.–Dakota War of 1862, and contemporary Dakota perspectives. The day is thoughtfully facilitated by Dakota educators and includes reflection, conversation, and connection to place. Some of the content may bring up strong emotions.
Can I bring my child or children?
This program is designed for adults and older teens. Younger children are not recommended due to the length of the day, the amount of standing and walking, and the seriousness of the content.
Are restrooms available?
Yes — there are restrooms at each site.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed at the sites. To honor facilitator requests, video and audio recording of facilitators is not permitted.
Do you offer trips for student or other groups?
Private Bdote experiences can be arranged for organizations committed to engaging deeply with Dakota perspectives. Please see the Private Bdote Trips section for details.
This special session, offered in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools, is designed for 4th–7th grade teachers and district administrators. Space is limited.
Coach bus transportation will be provided, beginning and ending at the Minnesota Humanities Center. Participants need to bring their own lunch, beverages, and snacks.
The day will take place entirely outdoors and includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking, sometimes on unpaved paths, and standing for extended periods. Audio headsets will be provided for clear listening. For questions about accessibility, please contact Eden Bart at eden@mnhum.org or 651-772-4261.
K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy