Learning in Community: St. Paul's Little Africa
2022-07-14 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Sabrina’s Café & Deli, 518 Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55104, United States
Minnesota is home to over 150,000 Africans, including the largest Somali population outside of Africa. Yet, many people are not aware of the rich cultural traditions and assets African immigrants and refugees bring to the vibrancy of our state. Build your cultural understanding and awareness of Minnesota’s African cultures as you immerse yourself within St. Paul’s Little Africa cultural corridor. This interactive, in-person experience will include an Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Sabrina’s Cafe & Deli, a tour of several African-owned businesses, lunch at the Eritrean-owned Snelling Cafe, and a special presentation of speakers and artists.
This event is a collaboration with African Economic Development Solutions.
Space is limited to 40 participants.
K-12 educators will receive 3 clock hours.
Registration
Members of Minnesota’s African communities are welcome to register using promo code LITTLEAFRICA to waive the fee if they wish.
If cost is a barrier, please contact Jessica Rust at jessica@mnhum.org before registering.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Learning in Community: Hmong St. Paul
2022-07-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
There are nearly 300,000 Asian Minnesotans, more than 5% of our state’s population. Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese make up about 60% of the Asian population in Minnesota. Build your cultural understanding and awareness as you immerse yourself within St. Paul’s vibrant Hmong community through an interactive, in-person experience. The day will begin and end at the Minnesota Humanities Center. We will travel by bus to Hmong Cultural Center’s new storefront museum for a tour and special presentation. We will then visit the iconic HmongTown Marketplace (a market of 125 small businesses and food vendors) where we will be greeted by the owner to learn about his story and have a guided tour of the market. There will be time for independent shopping and lunch.
This is a collaboration with Hmong Cultural Center and HmongTown Marketplace.
Space is limited to 40 participants. This experience is also being offered on June 25.
K-12 educators will receive 4 clock hours.
Please note: Registration cost does not include food. Participants are encouraged to support the financial recovery of small businesses by making purchases from the businesses they learn about on the tour. We recommend bringing cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards.
Registration
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Learning in Community: North Minneapolis
2022-09-24 13:00 - 17:00 | Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
Photos courtesy of MAAHM and King Neumel
North Minneapolis is rich in history, culture, and community inspiration. Build your cultural understanding and awareness of the African American community in North Minneapolis. This interactive, in-person experience will include a private tour of the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, stories from community members on the impact of longtime Northside organizations, and samplings of food from local Black-owned restaurants. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the organizations and institutions that have nurtured and inspired them.
This event is a collaboration with the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery and the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC).
Registration
Space is limited to 40 participants.
K-12 educators will receive 4 clock hours.
If cost is a barrier, contact Jessica Rust, jessica@mnhum.org.
This event is open to all. Members of Minnesota’s African American community are welcome to register using promo code NORTHMPLS to waive the fee if they wish.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Minneapolis - Learning in Community: LGBTQ+ History in Downtown Minneapolis
2022-10-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Minneapolis Community and Technical College, 1501 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Photos courtesy of the Jean Nickolaus Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies and Hennepin County Library
Minneapolis-Saint Paul is far from being flyover country; our metro area has some of the richest and deepest LGBTQ+ history in all of North America. Grow your understanding of this history with an interactive, in-person walking tour of downtown/central Minneapolis, an area deeply entangled with LGBTQ+ people’s stories, movements, and place in the world.
Be immersed by traveling through downtown Minneapolis, interspersing history with storytelling from local LGBTQ+ activists and artists. Learn about how down-and-out drifters in the notorious Gateway District helped shape a Twin Cities gay identity, how lesbians threw parties in deserted industrial warehouses, how gay and lesbian political power was built in response to police raids, and how one of the first Pride festivals grew from a ragtag group marching up Nicollet Mall.
We hope you’ll come along!
This event is a collaboration with Telling Queer History.
Registration
Space is limited to 40 participants.
K-12 educators will receive 3 clock hours.
This experience involves approximately 2.5 miles of walking and standing, starting and ending at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Audio headsets will be provided for amplification of the tour guide and storytellers.
This event is open to all. Members of Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ community are welcome to register using promo code LGBTQ-HISTORY to waive the fee if they wish.
To ensure that cost is not a barrier, we have a limited number of complimentary spaces available for all Minnesota residents. If you would like to receive a complimentary spot, please register with the promo code FEEWAIVER.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Learning in Community: Hmong St. Paul
2022-11-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
There are nearly 300,000 Asian Minnesotans, more than 5% of our state’s population. Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese make up about 60% of the Asian population in Minnesota. Build your cultural understanding and awareness as you immerse yourself within St. Paul’s vibrant Hmong community through an interactive, in-person experience. The day will begin and end at the Minnesota Humanities Center. We will travel by bus to Hmong Cultural Center’s new storefront museum for a tour and special presentation. We will then visit the iconic HmongTown Marketplace (a market of 125 small businesses and food vendors) where we will be greeted by the owner to learn about his story and have a guided tour of the market. There will be time for independent shopping and lunch.
This is a collaboration with Hmong Cultural Center and HmongTown Marketplace.
Space is limited to 50 participants.
K-12 educators will receive 4 clock hours.
Please note: Registration cost does not include food. Participants are encouraged to support the financial recovery of small businesses by making purchases from the businesses they learn about on the tour. We recommend bringing cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards.
Registration
Members of Minnesota’s Hmong community are welcome to register using promo code HMONGSTPAUL to waive the fee if they wish.
If cost is a barrier, please contact Jessica Rust at jessica@mnhum.org before registering.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

St. Paul - Learning from Place: Slow Roll'n Rondo, led by Cultural Wellness Center
2023-06-22 18:00 - 20:30 | Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 North Kent Street, Saint Paul, MN, 55102, United States
The Minnesota Humanities Center is proud to feature Slow Roll’n Rondo, a program of the Cultural Wellness Center. Join members of the diverse, multi-generational, and intersectional Rondo Community as you explore the opportunities and possibilities of an African American Cultural Enterprise District connected by a land bridge. This is a community-led development process designed to achieve the aspirations of the Rondo community to right past wrongs, revitalize Rondo, and honor African American Cultural contributions that have sustained the Rondo Community and will serve as a model for restorative participatory community development.
Explore a journey through the community’s history and into the future during a conversationally-paced biking experience. You will get to know the places, people, and possibilities that will lead to a vibrant future. Special guests may include Seitu Jones, Commissioner Toni Carter, Mr. Marvin Anderson, and Mayor, Melvin Carter along with members of his staff.
The evening will include a community meal featuring Black chefs and food grown in community gardens.
The event starts at Hallie Q Brown Community Center parking lot at 270 North Kent Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102.
The Cultural Wellness Center offers experiential learning opportunities that actively boost well-being, improve relationships, build communities, and train organizations.
Registration
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Learning from Place: LGBTQ+ History in Downtown Minneapolis
2023-07-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Loring Community Arts Center, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Minneapolis-Saint Paul is far from being flyover country; our metro area has some of the richest and deepest LGBTQ+ history in all of North America. Grow your understanding of this history with an interactive, in-person walking tour of downtown/central Minneapolis, an area deeply entangled with LGBTQ+ people’s stories, movements, and place in the world.
Be immersed by traveling through downtown Minneapolis, interspersing history with storytelling from local LGBTQ+ activists and artists. Learn about how down-and-out drifters in the notorious Gateway District helped shape a Twin Cities gay identity, how lesbians threw parties in deserted industrial warehouses, how gay and lesbian political power was built in response to police raids, and how one of the first Pride festivals grew from a ragtag group marching up Nicollet Mall.
We hope you’ll come along!
This event is a collaboration with Telling Queer History.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
K-12 educators will receive 3 clock hours.
This experience involves approximately 2 miles of walking and standing, starting and ending at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Audio headsets will be provided for amplification of the tour guide and storytellers.
This event is open to all. Members of Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ community are welcome to register using promo code LGBTQ-HISTORY to waive the fee if they wish.
To ensure that cost is not a barrier, we have a limited number of complimentary spaces available for all Minnesota residents. If you would like to receive a complimentary spot, please register with the promo code FEEWAIVER.
Registration for this event has SOLD OUT.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

Learning from Place: St. Paul's Little Africa
2023-07-27 11:00 - 14:00 | Snelling Cafe and Restaurant, 638 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, 55104
Minnesota is home to over 150,000 Africans, including the largest Somali population outside of Africa. Yet, many people are not aware of the rich cultural traditions and assets African immigrants and refugees bring to the vibrancy of our state. Build your cultural understanding and awareness of Minnesota’s East African cultures as you immerse yourself within St. Paul’s Little Africa cultural corridor. This interactive, in-person experience will include an Ethiopian coffee ceremony at Sabrina’s Cafe & Deli, a tour of several African-owned businesses, and lunch at the Eritrean-owned Snelling Cafe.
This event is a collaboration with African Economic Development Solutions.
Registration
Space is limited to 40 participants.
K-12 educators will receive 3 clock hours.
If cost is a barrier, please contact Jessica Rust at jessica@mnhum.org before registering.
Members of Minnesota’s African communities are welcome to register using promo code LITTLEAFRICA to waive the fee if they wish.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

St. Paul - Learning from Place: Bdote
2023-09-09 08:30 - 14:30 | Indian Mounds Regional Park, 10 Mounds Blvd, St. Paul, 55106
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive experience that brings participants to sites of great significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Participants will learn from Dakota community members through stories and histories that have often been left out of our state’s history. This experience is open to the general public and is particularly beneficial for educators who want to include new perspectives in their history curriculum.
Learning from Place: Bdote will begin at Indian Mounds Park in St. Paul. We will also be visiting Fort Snelling State Park (parking permit is required) and Pilot Knob Preservation Site. We will be outside the entire time. Participants need to provide their own transportation, lunch, snacks and beverages.
K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours.
Indigenous people of this place have the longest relationship to the land. Because of the nature of this program and experience, the fee is waived for indigenous participants. Contact Eden Bart at eden@mnhum.org before registering.
This experience involves nearly 1.5 miles of walking throughout the day, sometimes on unpaved paths, as well as standing for periods of time. We do provide audio headsets for amplification of the tour guides and to support social distancing. For specific inquiries about accessibility, please contact Eden Bart at eden@mnhum.org or 651-772-4261.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Registration for this event has SOLD OUT. We are no longer accepting registrations for the Waitlist.
Want to know more about Learning from Place: Bdote?
Learn more about the Learning from Place: Bdote offering.

Learn More

St. Paul – A Decade of Learning from Place: Bdote
2023-11-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us as we honor and recognize ten years of Learning from Place: Bdote! We will pay tribute to the individuals who co-created this transformational experience with the Minnesota Humanities Center – Ramona Kitto Stately, Ethan Neerdaels, and Mona Smith – as well as reveal opportunities to continue the learning.
Learning from Place: Bdote started in collaboration with Saint Paul Public Schools, following the creation of the Bdote Memory Map. The daylong immersive experience brings participants to sites of significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Centered in Dakota stories and cultural knowledge, the program has become a highly requested experience that expands one’s knowledge and understanding. Since its inception, Learning from Place: Bdote has been delivered 100 times, reaching 3,000 participants from across industry sectors.
A light meal of Indigenous food will be shared.
Registration
SOLD OUT – REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

The Great Northern Festival - Learning from Place: Bdote
2024-01-28 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive experience offered by the Minnesota Humanities Center that invites participants to visit, inhabit, and expand their understanding of Twin Cities sites with deep significance to Dakota people. Participants learn from Dakota community members to reconsider their relationship to land, water, sky, and all life—including other humans—through stories and perspectives that are often left out of our state’s history.
Bdote is a Dakota word that generally means “where two waters come together.” The bdote where Ȟaȟáwakpa (Mississippi River) and the Mnísota Wakpá (Minnesota River) come together is central to Dakota spirituality and history. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding about Dakota people’s relationship to the place we now call Minnesota and will be encouraged to put newfound knowledge into action and further learning.
Please note: This event will primarily be outdoors so dress accordingly. A Minnesota state parks vehicle permit is required (one-day permits are available for $7 and can be purchased online or at any Minnesota state park office).
Registration
Registration for this event must be made through the Great Northern Festival website.
Register Now

Online - Beyond Learning from Place: Bdote - Action Planning & Engagement for Accomplices
2024-04-11 11:00 - 13:30 | Online
Since 2013, the Minnesota Humanities Center has collaborated with Dakota community members to offer Learning from Place: Bdote, an immersive experience that brings people to sites of significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Over 3,400 people have participated in this transformative offering, leaving many wanting to learn and do more. We are excited to partner with Native Governance Center to host the first of our Beyond Learning from Place: Bdote online workshops.
Workshop Overview:
Action Planning and Engagement for Accomplices
Presented by Native Governance Center – nativegov.org
Are you interested in taking action to support Native communities? Do you feel unsure about how to get started on building relationships and potential partnerships with Native nations? Join Native Governance Center, a Native-led nonprofit organization, for a deep dive into best practices for meaningful engagement. This interactive presentation will equip participants with tools for creating supportive action steps using Native Governance Center’s action planning framework. Attendees will also learn how to get into a good headspace and understand protocol before partnering with Native nations. Expect content grounded in real-life examples and ample opportunities to engage with presenters and fellow attendees in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment. This presentation is perfect for those wondering “what’s next” after attending a Bdote tour.
Native Governance Center Presenters:

Cree Rose Dueker (Chippewa Cree Tribe, she/they): Program Coordinator – Movement Building
Jessica Glidden (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, she/her/kwe): Program Manager – Leadership Development
Michaela Madrid (Lower Brule Lakota Sioux, she/her): Program Director

Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

Minneapolis - Learning from Place: Cedar-Riverside/West Bank
2024-04-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Brian Coyle Neighborhood Center, 420 South 15th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, United States
The Cedar-Riverside/West Bank neighborhood in Minneapolis is one of the most diverse communities in the Midwest, with a longstanding tradition of activism, cultural diversity, and the arts. The neighborhood has long been a landing place for newly arrived immigrants, with some moving on and some settling in the West Bank more permanently. Today the neighborhood is home to a large East African community, including Somali, Ethiopian, and Oromo people who live alongside neighbors and descendants from earlier waves of immigration. The West Bank continues to welcome new arrivals. Build your cultural understanding during this interactive, in-person experience that includes a walking tour with several stops led by Abdirizak Bihi, host of KFAI’s Somali Link Radio. A food sample from a local restaurant will be provided.
K-12 educators will receive 3 clock hours.
This event is a collaboration with Pillsbury United Communities/Brian Coyle Center.
Registration
If cost is a barrier, please contact Jessica Rust at jessica@mnhum.org before registering.
Space is limited to 40 participants.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Register Now

Learning from Place: Hmong St. Paul
2024-05-04 08:30 - 13:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join us for an immersive journey into the heart of St. Paul’s vibrant Hmong community! St. Paul is home to the largest Hmong population in the United States, with deep roots on the East Side. Our guide for the day is Chong Yang, a high school educator who grew up in the neighborhood after coming to Minnesota at the age of six from a refugee camp in Thailand. Our day begins and ends at the Minnesota Humanities Center. During a short bus tour, Chong will share insights and stories while pointing out Hmong businesses and landmarks, such as the Minnesota Memorial to The Special Forces in Laos, commemorating the Hmong involvement in the Southeast Asia War. Our first destination is the Hmong Cultural Center Museum where we will hear a special presentation and have time to explore the exhibits showcasing the rich heritage, traditions, and contributions of the Hmong people in Minnesota. Next, we will visit the iconic HmongTown Marketplace, home to 125 small businesses and food vendors. We will meet the owner and learn about his incredible story, followed by a guided tour of the bustling market. There will be time for independent shopping and lunch.
This is a collaboration with Hmong Cultural Center and HmongTown Marketplace.
K-12 educators will receive 4 clock hours.
Registration
Space is limited to 45 participants.
Please note: Registration cost does not include food. Participants are encouraged to support the financial recovery of small businesses by making purchases from the businesses they learn about on the tour. We recommend bringing cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards.
If cost is a barrier, please contact Jessica Rust at jessica@mnhum.org before registering.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Register Now

St. Paul – Learning from Place: Bdote
2024-05-18 08:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive experience that brings participants to sites of great significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Participants will learn from Dakota community members through stories and histories that have often been left out of our state’s history. This experience is open to the public and is particularly beneficial for educators who want to include new perspectives in their history curriculum.
Learning from Place: Bdote will begin at Fort Snelling State Park (parking permit is required). After a break for “lunch on your own,” we will meet at Indian Mounds Regional Park, followed by a visit to the Pilot Knob Preservation Site. We will be outside the entire time. Participants need to provide their own transportation, lunch, snacks, and beverages.
Your co-leads: Ramona Kitto Stately and Reuben Kitto Stately
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, currently serves as 2023’s Indigenous Elder in Residence for Carleton College, and McKnight Culture Bearers Award Recipient in March 2023.
Reuben Kitto Stately is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation and a member of the Santee Sioux Dakhóta Nation. He is an artist, composer, and rapper who performs under the name Kitto. He is a graduate of Augsburg University with a BA in American Indian Studies and a lifelong Dakhóta language learner. Reuben has been a member of the Minnesota Indian Education Board of Directors since 2019.
There will be about one mile of walking throughout the day, sometimes on unpaved paths, as well as standing for periods of time. We will provide audio headsets for amplification of the tour guides. For specific inquiries 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
Register Now
Want to know more about Learning from Place: Bdote?
Learn more about the Learning from Place: Bdote offering.

Learn More
Watch Learning from Place: Bdote, a video produced to celebrate 10 years of this powerful program.
Watch Now

St. Paul – Learning from Place: Bdote
2024-06-10 08:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive experience that brings participants to sites of great significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Participants will learn from Dakota community members through stories and histories that have often been left out of our state’s history. This experience is open to the public and is particularly beneficial for educators who want to include new perspectives in their history curriculum.
Learning from Place: Bdote will begin at Fort Snelling State Park (parking permit is required). After a break for “lunch on your own,” we will meet at Indian Mounds Regional Park, followed by a visit to the Pilot Knob Preservation Site. We will be outside the entire time. Participants need to provide their own transportation, lunch, snacks, and beverages.
Your co-leads: Ramona Kitto Stately and Marlena Myles
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, currently serves as 2023’s Indigenous Elder in Residence for Carleton College, and McKnight Culture Bearers Award Recipient in March 2023.
Marlena Myles is an enrolled Spirit Lake Dakota artist located in St Paul, Minnesota. Her art brings modernity to Indigenous history, languages and oral traditions while using the land as a teacher. She has installed three site-specific augmented reality public art installations: the Dakota Spirit Walk (Saint Paul), the Sacred Hoop Walk (MN Landscape Arboretum) and the Wodakota Walk (Caponi Art Park). In 2023, she was awarded the Knight Arts + Tech Fellowship, Joyce Award and Rise25 Mozilla Honoree.
There will be about one mile of walking throughout the day, sometimes on unpaved paths, as well as standing for periods of time. We will provide audio headsets for amplification of the tour guides. For specific inquiries 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
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT
Join the Waitlist
Want to know more about Learning from Place: Bdote?
Learn more about the Learning from Place: Bdote offering.

Learn More
Watch Learning from Place: Bdote, a video produced to celebrate 10 years of this powerful program.
Watch Now

Online - Beyond Learning from Place: Bdote - Action Planning & Engagement for Accomplices
2024-11-07 12:30 - 15:00 | Online
Since 2013, the Minnesota Humanities Center has collaborated with Dakota community members to offer Learning from Place: Bdote, an immersive experience that brings people to sites of significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Over 3,400 people have participated in this transformative offering, leaving many wanting to learn and do more. We are excited to partner with Native Governance Center to host the first of our Beyond Learning from Place: Bdote online workshops.
Workshop Overview:
Action Planning and Engagement for Accomplices
Presented by Native Governance Center – nativegov.org
Are you interested in taking action to support Native communities? Do you feel unsure about how to get started on building relationships and potential partnerships with Native nations? Join Native Governance Center, a Native-led nonprofit organization, for a deep dive into best practices for meaningful engagement. This interactive presentation will equip participants with tools for creating supportive action steps using Native Governance Center’s action planning framework. Attendees will also learn how to get into a good headspace and understand protocol before partnering with Native nations. Expect content grounded in real-life examples and ample opportunities to engage with presenters and fellow attendees in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment. This presentation is perfect for those wondering “what’s next” after attending a Bdote tour.
Native Governance Center Presenters:

Cree Rose Dueker (Chippewa Cree Tribe): Program Manager for Community Engagement
Sage Phillips (Penobscot Nation): Program Coordinator for Community Engagement

Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Register Now

The Great Northern Festival – Learning from Place: Bdote
2025-02-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
Expand your understanding of the Twin Cities with a guided walk of sites with deep significance to Dakota people. Led by Dakota community members, participants will be encouraged to reconsider their relationship to land, water, sky, and all life—including other humans—through stories and perspectives that are often left out of our state’s history.
Bdote is a Dakota word that generally means “where two waters come together.” The bdote where Ȟaȟáwakpa (Mississippi River) and the Mnísota Wakpá (Minnesota River) come together is central to Dakota spirituality and history.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding about Dakota people’s relationship to the place we now call Minnesota and will be encouraged to put newfound knowledge into action and further learning.
Plan Your Experience: This event will begin at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center and primarily be outdoors, so dress accordingly. A Minnesota state parks vehicle permit is required (one-day permits are available for $7 and can be purchased online or at any Minnesota state park office).
Registration
Registration for this event must be made through the Great Northern Festival website.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

St. Paul – Learning from Place: Bdote
2025-05-17 08:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive experience that brings participants to sites of great significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Participants will learn from Dakota community members through stories and histories that have often been left out of our state’s history. This experience is open to the public and is particularly beneficial for educators who want to include new perspectives in their history curriculum.
Learning from Place: Bdote will begin at Fort Snelling State Park (parking permit is required). After a break for “lunch on your own,” we will meet at Indian Mounds Regional Park, followed by a visit to the Pilot Knob Preservation Site. We will be outside the entire time. Participants need to provide their own transportation, lunch, snacks, and beverages.
Your co-leads: Ramona Kitto Stately and Fern Naomi Renville
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, currently serves as 2023’s Indigenous Elder in Residence for Carleton College, and McKnight Culture Bearers Award Recipient in March 2023.
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.
There will be about one mile of walking throughout the day, sometimes on unpaved paths, as well as standing for periods of time. We will provide audio headsets for amplification of the tour guides. For specific inquiries 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
Register Now
Want to know more about Learning from Place: Bdote?
Learn more about the Learning from Place: Bdote offering.

Learn More
Watch Learning from Place: Bdote, a video produced to celebrate 10 years of this powerful program.
Watch Now

Hampton - Learning from Place: Watt Munisotaram (Cambodian Temple)
2025-07-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Watt Munisotaram, 2925 220th St E, Hampton, 55031, United States
Join us for an immersive cultural learning experience at Watt Munisotaram, the largest Cambodian Buddhist temple in the United States, located in the serene countryside of Hampton, Minnesota. Hosted in collaboration with the Cambodian American Partnership of Minnesota, this event offers a rare opportunity to explore the intersection of history, spirituality, and community within one of Minnesota’s most vibrant cultural landmarks.

Event Highlights

Historical Context: Gain insight into Cambodia’s complex history, including the impact of the Khmer Rouge genocide and the Vietnam War, which led many Cambodians to seek refuge in Minnesota.
Temple Origins & Architecture: Discover the origins of Watt Munisotaram and explore its stunning architecture. Learn how the temple was established and how it continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural anchor for the Cambodian American community.
Guided Tour: Walk the temple grounds with community members who will share their knowledge and experiences, offering a deeper understanding of the site’s cultural and religious significance.
Community Voices: Listen to personal stories from Cambodian Americans and hear directly from temple monks about their spiritual practices and daily lives.
Cambodian Cuisine: Enjoy a tasting of traditional Cambodian treats—an essential part of the cultural experience.

Minnesota is home to the fifth-largest Cambodian population in the United States, with approximately 12,000 Cambodian Americans—most residing in the Twin Cities metro area.

This event offers a powerful way to engage with community while learning about Cambodian history, culture, and spirituality in a welcoming and enriching environment.

Learn about Watt Munisotaram in the first segment on Buddhism from Prayers on the Prairie: Asian-Pacific Minnesota Religious Practices, an educational video produced in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center and the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans.

K-12 educators will receive 3 clock hours

Registration
REGISTRATION FOR THIS IS CLOSED. JOIN OUR WAITLIST.

Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org

Join Our Waitlist

St. Paul – Learning from Place: Bdote
2025-09-13 08:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive experience that brings participants to sites of great significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Participants will learn from Dakota community members through stories and histories that have often been left out of our state’s history. This experience is open to the public and is particularly beneficial for educators who want to include new perspectives in their history curriculum.
Learning from Place: Bdote will begin at Fort Snelling State Park (parking permit is required). After a break for “lunch on your own,” we will meet at Wicaḣapi (pronounced we-CHA-ha-pee; formerly Indian Mounds Regional Park), followed by a visit to the Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Preservation Site (pronounced oh-HAY-ya-wa-hee). We will be outside the entire time. Participants need to provide their own transportation, lunch, snacks, and beverages.
There will be about 1.5 miles of walking throughout the day, sometimes on unpaved paths, as well as standing for periods of time. We will provide audio headsets for amplification of the tour guides. For specific inquiries about accessibility, please contact Eden Bart at eden@mnhum.org or 651-772-4261.
Your co-leads: Ramona Kitto Stately and Fern Naomi Renville
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, currently serves as 2023’s Indigenous Elder in Residence for Carleton College, and McKnight Culture Bearers Award Recipient in March 2023.
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.
K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Registration for this event has SOLD OUT.
Join the Waitlist
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St. Paul - Learning from Place: Bdote for Educators
2025-09-20 08:30 - 15:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
This special session, offered in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools, is designed for 4th–7th grade teachers and district administrators. Space is limited.
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:

Fort Snelling State Park
Wicaḣapi (we-CHA-ha-pee; formerly Indian Mounds Regional Park)
Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Preservation Site (oh-HAY-ya-wa-hee)

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.
Your co-leads: Ramona Kitto Stately and Fern Naomi Renville
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, currently serves as 2023’s Indigenous Elder in Residence for Carleton College, and McKnight Culture Bearers Award Recipient in March 2023.
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.
K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours.
Registration
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | MHC Cancellation Policy
Register Now

St. Paul - Learning from Place: 100 Years of Mexican American Culture on St. Paul’s West Side
2025-09-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Neighborhood House/The Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St E, St. Paul, 55107, United States
Discover the stories, history, and vibrant culture of St. Paul’s West Side—the heart of Minnesota’s Latino community. This immersive experience focuses on The Flats and the Latino Cultural District, a neighborhood shaped by generations of Mexican Americans, and now home to the future Minnesota Latino Museum.
Minnesota is home to more than 400,000 residents of Mexican and Latino heritage, two-thirds of whom trace their roots to Mexico. Since 2000, Minnesota’s Latino population has grown by 288%, contributing to the state’s cultural, economic, and civic life in countless ways. During this program, participants will learn directly from Latino community members and leaders, exploring the past, present, and future of this important neighborhood.
Offered in collaboration with the Minnesota Latino Museum.
Event Highlights

Historical overview of St. Paul’s West Side
Personal stories from West Side residents and business owners
Visit to a local business in the community
Visit to Alebrijes: Keepers of the Island exhibit on Raspberry Island (on view June 1–Oct 26)
Introduction to plans for the Minnesota Latino Museum
Sampling of Mexican cuisine

We will begin at Neighborhood House in the Wellstone Center, then travel together by bus to Raspberry Island and The Flats.
Registration
Registration for this event has CLOSED. Join the waitlist.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org
Join the Waitlist

St. Paul - Learning from Place: Bdote for Educators
2026-04-25 08:30 - 15:30 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
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
Register Now

St. Paul - Learning from Place: Bdote
2026-06-23 08:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
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 April 27, 2026.

St. Paul - Learning from Place: Bdote
2026-09-19 08:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN, 55111, United States
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.
