Minnesota Humanities Center

St. Paul – Learning from Place: Bdote
2025-09-13 08:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | 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
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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 - Teaching Bdote Educator Workshop
2026-03-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
The Teaching Bdote Educator Workshop is designed for educators who have attended or plan to attend Learning from Place: Bdote and are preparing to incorporate the experience into their classroom or to lead their own classroom field trip. Whether you are looking for a refresher or preparing for your first teacher-led trip, this workshop will provide the guidance, resources, and confidence you need.
Offered in collaboration with Saint Paul Public Schools, this interactive, in-person session supports educators in aligning Bdote field trips with the 2021 Minnesota Social Studies Standards and the inquiry-based model of learning. Participants will also receive an overview of newly developed Bdote lesson plans, including a closer look at one lesson that is nearing completion and explicitly aligned to the standards. These lessons are designed to support classroom learning before and after a Bdote field trip.
The workshop will be facilitated by Saint Paul Public Schools and Minnesota Humanities Center staff and will address common questions and anxieties that non-Indigenous educators may experience when teaching Dakota history, grounding the work in Dakota voices and perspectives.
Ramona Kitto Stately (Santee Dakota) will share Dakota perspectives and guidance on teaching Dakota history with care. Participant reflections from classroom educators who have recently led Bdote field trips will be shared through short video segments from a previous Teaching Bdote session, offering candid insights and practical guidance grounded in real classroom experience.
Participants will:

Learn from recorded reflections and practical guidance from classroom educators on teaching Bdote, preparing students, and leading field trips.
Learn from Dakota perspectives on centering Indigenous knowledge and place-based histories.
Explore new and emerging Bdote lesson plans aligned to Minnesota Social Studies Standards.
Access resources and lesson materials to support both classroom learning and field trip planning.

Intended Audience: While all are welcome, this workshop is especially geared toward teachers in grades 4–7.
K-12 educators will receive 3 clock hours upon completion of the workshop.
Continental Breakfast will be provided.
Registration
Saint Paul Public School teachers: Register using discount code SPPS26 to waive the fee.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | Cancellation Policy
Register Now

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.

To participate in this special session, offered in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools, you must be a 4th–7th grade teacher or district administrator. 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
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED

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.
