Minneapolis Public Schools

Introduction to Dakota Weaving Plants With Fern Naomi Renville (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Omaha, Seneca Cayuga) ENGLISH NAME: Common Stinging Nettle / Urtica Dioica SISSETON DAKOTA NAME: Hosbe [hosh-BAY] OTHER DAKOTA NAMES FOR UTICA DIOICA: Chanicahpehu and pazipa are two other names for nettle used by Dakota communities. DAKOTA NAME FOR STRING OR CORDAGE: Wikan [WEE-KAHN]… derived from the root words for ‘sun’ and ‘braid’. DAKOTA WORD FOR WEAVING: Opazan (to weave something) Not so very long ago, in the Dakota homelands of Imnizaska (St Paul), Sisseton Tribal people relied on our knowledge of and ancestral relationships with native plants - including stinging nettle, bulrush, cattail, willow, basswood, cedar, ash, elm, and spruce root - to create cordage, rope, nets, woven textiles, and shelter. Please join us for a learning journey of reconnecting with our plant relatives. All participants will learn about Dakota weaving plants and traditions, how to twine fibers into cordage, and how to apply what you learned to exploring oth local plant fibers. Fern is a 2022-2023 Native Artist in Residence at the Minnesota Historical Society, where she has been researching the role of nettles in Dakota material culture. Fern Naomi Renville is a storyteller, artist, playwright, and enrolled citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. Meet at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge & Visitor Center lcoated at 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN 55425. NOTE: Subject to weather conditions. If necessary, we will reschedule the walk. If class is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

LINK TO NEW CRUISE DATE ADDED: 9/10 Navigating Dakota Legacy - A Cruise Through Time & Culture Along the Mississippi River Led by Dakota people, this cultural cruise along the Mississippi River takes you on a transformative voyage through time connecting the past and present of Dakota life. With each stop at cultural landmarks and sacred sites, we will listen to ancestral teachings and stories that have lasted through the ages, gaining a deeper appreciation for the Dakota people's profound relationships with the river, land and the stars above. As we navigate the mighty waters of the Mississippi River, our journey will help others see the river through Dakota eyes. From ancient legends to pivotal moments in history, the boat becomes a floating classroom where captivating stories come to life. We will return to shore with new understandings of the harmony between the Dakota people and the rivers and lands they call home. Dakota guides will include Marlena Myles, Fern Renville, Tanagidan To Win (Blue Hummingbird Woman) Meet at the Watergate Marina, 2500 Crosby Farm Road, Saint Paul Minnesota, 55116. Crosby Farm Road is at the intersection of Shepherd Road and Gannon Road. Transportation to the Watergate Marina is on your own. Beverages will be available to purchase on board the boat. You may bring your own food. Ages 21+. If the tour is full, please add your name to the waitist. We will let you know if spots become available.