Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community

We bridge the gap between Indian and non-Indian communities. 

Mission

We bridge the gap between Indian and non-Indian communities. Our commitment to sustaining Dakota language and culture is our organization's driving force. Our programs and events are open to the public. We encourage all people to learn and participate. We work collaboratively with tribal, city, county and state governments, Native and non-Native non-profits, and grass root organizations on issues and initiatives that pertain to and affect Dakota and other Native peoples.

Programs

Preserving the Culture:

Consistent with our mission, several programs and activities focus on the preservation of Dakota culture. These include: Conducting weekly Dakota language classes free of charge and open to the public. Conducting monthly traditional craft classes free of charge and open to the public. Hosting the annual MMDC Welcome Home Traditional Pow-Wow (2nd weekend in August). Hosting annual World Peace and Prayer Day and Winter Solstice ceremonies at Camp Coldwater. Participating in an annual traditional Sugar Bush Camp. Initiating and hosting the annual remembrance ceremony to honor the Dakota ancestors who were interred in the Fort Snelling concentration camp after the 1862 Dakota Conflict. Hosting Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires) meetings.

Protecting the Culture:

We believe that a critical component of ensuring that the Dakota culture will exist for future generations is protecting the culture today. These protective activities are crucial our mission. Current activities include: Participation in the National Trust of Historic Preservation Twin Cities Local Advisory Committee. Exercising Treaty rights, such as pass and re-pass rights at Camp Coldwater and fishing rights under the 1805 Treaty. Partnering with the Pilot Knob Preservation Association to protect an historical site from being developed into a commercial office-building complex. 

Promoting the Culture:

We believe that promoting the Dakota culture is important on many levels. First and foremost, promoting the culture ensures that accurate historical and contemporary information about the Dakota is present in relevant dialogues and is available to Dakota and non-Dakota alike. Promotion initiatives also provide the foundation for improved relationships with our non-Dakota relatives. Towards these ends, activities to promote the Dakota culture include: Educational Outreach to local schools to share the Dakota culture, crafts, regalia, and artifacts. Maintaining a website for the MMDC providing historical and cultural information to visitors We work collaboratively with tribal, city, county and state governments, Native and non-Native non-profits, and grass root organizations on issues and initiatives that pertain to and affect Dakota and other Native peoples. Examples of these collaborations include: Working with the Preserve Camp Coldwater Coalition to protect a site that is sacred to Dakota people and of cultural significance to the people of Minnesota. Partnering with the Pilot Knob Preservation Association to protect an historical site from being developed into a commercial office-building complex. Collaborating with the University of Minnesota on several native-related projects. Teaming up with the City of Mendota and the Mendota VFW in organizing the Mendota Days community celebration. Working with Ospaye (a.k.a. Friends of the Friendly), a group of people ineligible to be MMDC members who are dedicated to supporting MMDC and its efforts.