Minnesota is the traditional homelands of the Dakota people.
Here you will find three Dakota land maps which tell the past, present and future of Dakota people and language. Audio and language is provided by Dawi. Art is by Marlena Myles. We have prints and free 8.5″ x 11″ prints available for download. Scroll down for info on ordering prints and to learn to speak Dakota.
Areas covered so far:
- Minneapolis (Village of Many Lakes) & St Paul (Village along the White Cliffs)
[ Download 8.5″ x 11″ free print /// Jump to audio ] - Minnesota River Valley
[ Download 8.5″ x 11″ free print /// Jump to audio ]
(including Bloomington, Edina, Wayzata, Chanhassan, Chaska, Shakopee, Prior Lake, Belle Plaine, Mankato, Owatonna, Waseca, New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Redwood Falls, Lower Sioux Community, Granite Falls, Upper Sioux Community, Montevideo, Pipestone) - Prairie Island • Red Wing (Beautiful Village of the Bluffs-Water-Woods) • Winona
[ Download 8.5″ x 11″ free print /// Jump to audio ]
Our culture is stored as data in the land
Minnesota is the traditional homelands of the Dakota people and the Dakota land maps I create teach all about the relationships and histories that are embedded as geographical data in the land, by reclaiming the Dakota names to these places.
We didn’t have a written language prior to the arrival of Europeans, instead we used our language and oral traditions to maintain a close connection with the natural world as land-based education. These geographical knowledge systems and the Dakota culture are so closely intertwined, that’s simply known as a way of living, passed down through the generations.
Our human relationships with the natural world shapes our understandings, beliefs and attitudes, creating what is known as environmental ethics. Indigenous land-based education is being immersed in a respect-based worldview of the land, teaching us the importance of Indigenous languages, cosmologies, land protections and land rights, and accountability. These maps are a connection to reconciliation.
Indigenous land based education seen in my maps brings together layered concepts stored in the natural world:
- Provides culturally relevant education
- Intergenerational knowledge transfer
- Creates safe spaces for healing and learning
About the creators
Art:
Marlena Myles (Spirit Lake Dakota, Mohegan, Muscogee) is a self-taught digital artist located in St Paul, Minnesota. She uses her art to celebrate her Indigenous culture & language as well as helping the public understand the significance of Native oral traditions and history. She has illustrated two children’s books, Kikta wo/Kikta ye for the Lower Sioux Community and her latest Thanku: Poems About Gratitude, published September 2019 by Millbrook Press (Lerner Publishing Group).
Language:
Dawí (Huhá Máza) is a lineal descendant of the Santee Sioux tribe of Nebraska, forcibly removed from Minnesota homelands in the 1860s. He is a stay at home father, and Assistant Producer at Dakhóta iápi Okhódakičhiye, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to Dakota language for the home, community, and classroom. Inquiries for language can be made via email at huhamaza@dakhota.org.
Minneapolis & Saint Paul Landmap
Dakhóta Thamákhočhe: Bde Óta Othúŋwe & Imnížaska Othúŋwe
This map teaches about the Dakota past and present of Minneapolis & Saint Paul.
I am offering a free 8.5″x11″ PDF poster for printing.
Larger versions available at cost:
- 12″x16″ print on watercolor paper would be $30
- 18″x24″ print on watercolor paper would be $50
- 24″x32″ print on watercolor paper would be $75
- 36″x48″ print on watercolor paper would be $150
Dakhóta Thamákhočhe:
Bde Óta Othúŋwe & Imnížaska Othúŋwe
Dakota Land Map: Minneapolis (Village of Many Lakes) & Saint Paul (Village along the White Cliffs)
A number of these locations and their Dakota history can be researched at the Bdote Memory Map. Other resources are linked via their name in the list. Feel free to share this resource with your classrooms!
- Bdé Óta Othúŋwe (Many Lakes Village) [Minneapolis]
- Imníža Ská Othúŋwe (Village along the White Cliffs) [Saint Paul]
Audio Player
Historic Dakota villages & locations
- Ȟeyata Otuŋwe (Village)
- Kap’óža Othúŋwe (Village)
- Wakháŋ Thípi (Spirit Cave) [Carver’s Cave]
- Oȟéyawahe (A Sacred Place Much Visited; The Place Where People Go For Burials) [Pilot Knob]
- Bdóte (Where Two Rivers Meet)
- Íŋyaŋšá (Red Rock)
- Maȟpíya Ȟóta Wiŋ Wíta (Grey Cloud Woman Island) [Grey Cloud Island]
- Wíta Tháŋka (Large Island) [Pike Island]
- Wíta Wašté (Beautiful Island) [Nicollet Island]
Pronunciation audio
Eháŋna Wičháhapi (Burial Mounds)
There are over 12,000 burial mounds ranging from a hundred to several thousand years old in the state of Minnesota. Many are located in the Twin Cities including at Oȟéyawahe (Pilot Knob), Mound Springs Park, Indian Burial Mounds Park, Maȟpíya Ȟóta Wiŋ Wíta (Grey Cloud Island) & surrounding Mní iá Tháŋka (Lake Minnetonka).
Makhá Thó Otkéwičhayapi Wókiksuye
Every December, Dakota and allies honor through memorial runs & horse rides the 38+2 warriors who were hanged in Mankato, MN on Dec. 26, 1862.
Bodies of water:
- Wíta Tópa Bde (Four Islands Lake) [Lake of the Isles]
- Bde Makhá Ska (White Earth Lake)
- Bde Umáŋ (Other Lake) [Lake Harriet]
- Mní iá Tháŋka (Lake which is Large) [Lake Minnetonka]
- Mníȟaȟa Wakpádaŋ (Falling Water Creek) [Minnehaha Creek]
- Wakpá Tháŋka (Large River) [Mississippi River]
- Mní Iȟpáyedaŋ (Falling Down Waters) [Mníȟaȟa Falls]
- Mniówe Sní (Coldwater Springs)
- Mnísota Wakpá (Clear Waters Reflecting the Blue Skies River) (Minnesota River)
- Owámniyomni (Three Whirlpools) (St. Anthony Falls)
Pronunciation audio
Other locations
- Bde Óta Othúŋwe Wókaǧe Owápazo Thípi – Minneapolis Institute of Arts
- Mnísota Wóuŋspe Wakántuya – University of Minnesota
- Isáŋthaŋka Akíchita Thípi– Fort Snelling
- Mnísota Makhóbašpe Thuŋkášidaŋyaŋpi Thípi – Minnesota Capitol Building
- Thabškáta Oškád Thípi – Basketball Arena
- Čhaȟkázo thakápsiča oškád thípi– Hockey Arena
- Thabnákhapapi oškád makhóčhe – Football Field
- Thabʼáphapi Oškád Makhóčhe – Baseball Field
- Isáŋthaŋka Mazóphiye Tháŋka – Mall of America
- Othúŋwe ȟemáni thothó – Green Line Train
- Othúŋwe ȟemáni thó – Blue Line Train
- Wátakiŋyaŋ Oínažiŋ – MSP Airport
- Wamániča Okáške Thípi – Minnesota Zoo
- Odówaŋ Thípi – Concert Hall (First Avenue)
Pronunciation audio
Audio Player
- Bdé Óta Othúŋwe Wókaǧe Owápazo Thípi
- Mnísota Wóuŋspe Wakántuya
- Isáŋthaŋka Akíčhita Thípi
- Mnísota Makhóbašpe Thuŋkášidaŋyaŋpi Thípi
- Thabškáta Oškád Thípi
- Čhaȟkázo Thakápsiča Oškád Thípi
- Thabnákhaphapi Oškád Makhóčhe
- Thab’áphapi Oškád Makhóčhe
- Isáŋthaŋka Mazóphiye Tháŋka
- Othúŋwe Ȟemáni Thothó
- Othúŋwe Ȟemáni Thó
- Wátakiŋyaŋ Oínažiŋ
- Wamániča Okáške Thípi
- Odówaŋ Thípi
Minnesota River Valley Landmap
Dakhóta Thamákhočhe: Mnísota Wakpá Makhósmaka
This map teaches about the Dakota past of the Minnesota River Valley, including Bloomington, Edina, Wayzata, Chanhassan, Chaska, Shakopee, Prior Lake, Belle Plaine, Mankato, Owatonna, Waseca, New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Redwood Falls, Lower Sioux Community, Granite Falls, Upper Sioux Community, Montevideo, Pipestone.
I am offering a free 8.5″x11″ PDF poster for printing.
Larger versions available at cost:
- 12″x16″ print on watercolor paper would be $30
- 18″x24″ print on watercolor paper would be $50
- 24″x32″ print on watercolor paper would be $75
- 36″x48″ print on watercolor paper would be $150
Dakhóta Thamákhočhe:
Mnísota Wakpá Makhósmaka
Dakota Land Map: Minnesota River Valley
After the treaties of 1851, Dakota people were given a small area of land along the Minnesota River valley. Broken treaties and starvation led to the Dakota war of 1862 and the exile of Dakota people from Minnesota. 38 Dakota men who stood up for their people, their culture and their spirits were sentenced to be hanged on orders of Abraham Lincoln on December 26, 1862.
Today, Dakota people remain in the Minnesota River Valley including at Upper Sioux and Lower Sioux communities located on this map.
Learn more about the Dakota homeland story written by Darlene St Clair & Kate Beane.
- Mnísota Wakpá Makhósmaka (Minnesota River Valley)
- Phežíhutazizi K’ápi (Where They Dig For Yellow Medicine) [Upper Sioux Community / Granite Falls]
- Čhaŋšáyapi (Red Painted Tree) [Lower Sioux Community / Redwood Falls]
Eháŋna Wičháhapi (Burial Mounds)
There are over 12,000 burial mounds ranging from a hundred to several thousand years old in the state of Minnesota. Many are located in the Minnesota River Valley including at Chaska (City Square Park), Shakopee (Memorial Park), Ottawa Bluffs, Lake Benton & surrounding Mní iá Tháŋka (Lake Minnetonka).
Makhá Thó Otkéwičhayapi Wókiksuye
Every December, Dakota and allies honor through memorial runs (Makhá Thó Otkéwičhayapi Wókiksuye) & horse rides (Dakhóta 38+2 Wókiksuye Šuŋk’ákaŋ Akúpi) the 38+2 warriors who were hanged in Mankato, MN on Dec. 26, 1862.
Other locations
- Prince Thí (Prince’s studio) [Paisley Park]
- Mnísota Wóuŋspe Wakáŋtuya Owóžu [Minnesota Landscape Arboretum]
- Makhósmaka Oškád Makhóčhe [Valley Fair]
- Isáŋthaŋka Akíchita Thípi (Big Knife Soldier Lodge) [Fort Ridgely]
- Gustavus Adolphus Wóuŋspe Wakáŋtuya (Gustavus Adolphus College)
- Dakhóta Wókiksuye Makhóčhe (Land of Memories Park)
- Hotháŋka Oyáŋke (Former Hochunk Reservation, 1855-1863)
- Íŋyaŋ Pasdóhaŋpi (Curling) [“Cradle of Curling” Heather Curling Club, Mapleton MN]
- Thaté Wóidagyapi (Wind Power) [Turbines]
- Čhaské / Íŋyaŋ (“Brother” Boulder in the area of the Morton & Montevideo Gneiss Rocks)
- Adék Thí (Alex’s house) [City of Faribault, Dakota pronunciation of his first name Alexander]
- Adék Thí Mnihúha Kága Thípi [Faribault Wool Mills]
- Čhaŋšáyapi Eháŋna Owápazo Thípi [Lower Sioux Agency History Museum]
Pronunciation audio
Čhaŋóthidaŋ Oháŋ (Little People’s Workshop)
Čhaŋóthidaŋ aka Little Wood Dwellers spirits live in this area. Some Dakota say they’re spirits that were born from the forests themselves, known for playing tricks or being malevolent. They are given gifts or avoided at all costs.
Heyókha Thí (Sacred Clown’s Dwelling)
Heyókha are sacred clowns in Dakota culture where they do things to the contrary to keep society in check. They are given their powers after dreaming of Wakinyan, the thunder being.
“Iron Members, a Dakota chief, was going hunting and when he was near Shakopee’s village, he met the giant, Heyókha. Heyókha wore a three cornered hat and one side was as bright as the sun, so bright one could not look upon it, and he had a crooked thing upon his shoulder. Iron Members was on a hill near which was a deep ravine, but, not withstanding his position, Heyoka’s head reached the top of the trees. The giant was going northward and did not notice the Indian or stop. Iron Members watched the giant, and as he went forward the trees and bushes seemed to make way for him.” – Charles Eastman. The little hills of the prairies are called Heyókha Thí, Heyókha’s dwelling places, and are under his guardianship.
Historic Dakota villages & locations
- Bde Óta Othúŋwe (Many Lakes Village) [Minneapolis]
- Thí Tháŋka Thaŋnína (Ancient Great Village) [Wildwood Park]
- Ičáȟtaka (To Come Into Contact With) [Bloomington]
- Idéna (To Catch Fire) [Edina]
- Wazíyata Othúŋwe (North Village) [Wayzata]
- Čhaŋhásaŋ Pahá (Sugar Maple Hills) [Chanhassen]
- Čhaské Othúŋwe (First Born son Village) [Chaska]
- Šákpe (Six) [Shakopee]
- Pažódaŋ (High Hill) [Chimney Rock]
- Íŋyaŋ Bosdáta (Rock Standing Upright / Standing Rock) [Castle Rock]
- Wakháŋthowaŋka (Spirit Village) [Belle Plaine]
- Mayáskadaŋ (Little White Bluff) [Ottawa Bluffs]
- Oíyuweǧe (River Crossing) [Traverse des Sioux]
- Kasóta (Cleared Place)
- Makhátho Oyúze (Where They Obtain Blue Paint) [Mankato]
- Owóthaŋna Ožú (Straight Growing Grove) [Owatonna]
- Wazíčhaŋ Othúŋwe (Pine Tree) [Waseca]
- Ptéǧa Wíta (Marsh Island) [New Ulm]
- Ištáȟbá [Sleepy Eye]
- Thaŋpá Yukháŋ (White Birch Place) [Birch Cooley Creek]
- Čhaŋšáyapi (Red Painted Tree) [Lower Sioux Community / Redwood Falls]
- Phežíhutazizi K’ápi (Where They Dig For Yellow Medicine) [Upper Sioux Community / Granite Falls]
- Tuŋwéya Pahá (Scout Hill) [Montevideo]
- Chaŋdúhupa Šá K’ápi (Where They Dig Red Pipe [Stone]) [Pipestone]
- Ȟé Ȟdóka (Hole [Pass] In The Mountain) [Hole In The Mountain County Park]
- Úta Pahídaŋ (Where They Gather Acorns) [Lake Benton]
Pronunciation audio
Audio Player
- Bde Óta Othúŋwe
- Thíthaŋka Thaŋnína
- Ičáȟtaka
- Idéna
- Wazíyata Othúŋwe
- Čhaŋhásaŋ Pahá
- Čhaské Othúŋwe
- Šákpe
- Pažódaŋ
- Íŋyaŋ Bosdáta
- Wakháŋthowaŋka
- Mayáskadaŋ
- Oíyuweǧe
- Kasóta
- Makhátho Oyúze
- Owóthaŋna Ožú
- Wazíčhaŋ Othúŋwe
- Ptéǧa Wíta
- Ištáȟba
- Thaŋpá Yukháŋ
- Čhaŋšáyapi
- Phežíhutazizi K’ápi
- Tuŋwéya Pahá
- Čhaŋdúhupa Šá K’ápi
- Ȟé Ȟdóka
- Úta Pahídaŋ
Oǧúǧuya Owápi (Images Burned There [Into The Stone])
[Jeffers Petroglyphs]
Home to about 5,000 sacred rock carvings dating back 7000 -10000 years. Dakota people say ancestors long ago could generate enough heat in their hands to burn sacred images, such as this thunder being, into the stone. Thousands of years later, Dakota people still honor these spirits.
Bodies of water:
- Wakpá Tháŋka (Big River) [Mississippi River]
- Mnísota Wakpá (Clear Waters Reflecting Blue Skies River) [Minnesota River]
- Mní Iá Tháŋka (Water They Speak Of As Large) [Lake Minnetonka]
- Bdé Wakhóniya (Fountain Lake) [Lake Waconia]
- Mniwášte (Good Waters) [Lake Minnewashta]
- Bdé Mayá Thó (Blue Banks Lake) [Prior Lake]
- Makhá Yušóša (Where The Earth Is Roiled Up) [Boiling Springs]
- Ȟdoȟdó Dowáŋ Wakpá (Growling Song River) [Carver Creek]
- Čháŋ Kašdášda Wakpá (Bare/Branchless Tree River) [Le Sueur Creek]
- Ípha Hmihmá Wakpá (Round Point River) [Beven’s Creek]
- Wíta Waŋkátu (Island Raised Up) [High Island Lake]
- Maǧáthaŋka Óta Bdé (Many Swan Lake) [Swan Lake]
- Íŋyaŋ Bosdáta Wakpá (Rock Standing Upright River) [Cannon River]
- Bdé Thípi Tháŋka (Big Village Lake) [Cannon Lake]
- Bdé Thitháŋka (Great Lodge Lake) [Tetonka Lake]
- Makhátho Wakpá (Blue Earth River) [Blue Earth River]
- Mní Inúŋpa (Second Waterfalls) [Minneopa Falls]
- Maǧá Okhúwapi (Where They Chase The Geese) [Lake Crystal]
- Bdé Háŋska (Long Lake) [Lake Hanska]
- Wáǧa Ožú Wakpá Suŋkáku (Cottonwood Grove’s Little Brother River) [Little Cottonwood River]
- Wáǧa Ožú Wakpá (Cottonwood Grove River) [Cottonwood River]
- Mníwašté Čhaŋháŋ Tháŋka (Where The Big Trees Stand By The Beautiful Water) [Sleepy Eye Lake]
- Bdé Čháŋ (Wood Lake)
- Čhápa Wakpádaŋ (Beaver Creek)
- Čhaŋšáyapi Wakpá (Red Painted Tree River) [Redwood River]
- Phežíhutazizi K’ápi Wakpá (Where They Dig For Yellow Mediciner) [Yellow Medicine River]
- Bdé Iédaŋ (Speaking Lake) [Lac qui Parle]
- Bdéǧa Bdé (Where Pelicans Hatch) [Lake Shetek]
- Čhedí Bdé (Foot Lake)
- Bdé Wakháŋdaŋ (Holy Lake) [Lake Wakanda]
- Khaŋdíyohi (To Arrive at Buffalo Carp Lake) [Big Kandiyohi Lake]
- Bdé Ȟaŋtéšadaŋ (Red Cedar Lake) [Cedar Lake]
Pronunciation audio
Dakhóta Thamákhočhe:
Thíŋta Wíta • Ȟemníčhaŋ Othúŋwe Wašté • Winúŋna
Dakota Land Map: Prairie Island • Red Wing (Beautiful Village of the Bluffs-Water-Woods) • Winona
To Dakota people, the names of the locations often tell a bigger story. One such example tells of how Ȟemníčhaŋ (Barn Bluff) was split into two. Two Dakota villages fought over the possession of the sacred bluff. As a compromise, the Great Spirit divided it into half and moved the other portion downriver to what’s known today as Wabasha’s Hat in Winona (a portion is said to have fallen at Trempealeau Mountain as well).
Download print of the Prairie Island – Red Wing – Winona Map:
I am offering a free 8.5″x11″ PDF poster for printing.
Larger versions available at cost:
- 12″x16″ print on watercolor paper would be $30
- 18″x24″ print on watercolor paper would be $50
- 24″x32″ print on watercolor paper would be $75
- 36″x48″ print on watercolor paper would be $125
Wakíŋyaŋ & Uŋktéȟi of Ȟemníčhaŋ Othúŋwe Wašté
Wakíŋyaŋ is the thunder being, the messenger of Íŋyaŋ (Stone Spirit) which exists on Ȟemníčhaŋ (Barn Bluff). Dakota also believe there are Uŋktéȟi (underwater serpents) in the waters of Lake Pepin.
Near Ȟemníčhaŋ Othúŋwe Wašté (Red Wing, Minnesota), there are numerous burial mounds and in one set, there contains a thunderbird effigy. Scientists have studied it to note there’s a much higher frequency of lightning strikes there than in comparison to other locations. Thunderbolts also represents the connection between life and death, earth and sky, as it connects land with the heavens (and the Milky Way we believe to travel in the afterlife). These Dakota beliefs are mirrored in the scientific understanding of lightning as an energy-balancing transfer between the positively charged earth and negatively charged thunderclouds.
Wakíŋyaŋ is considered the protector of humans from Uŋktéȟi, the underwater serpent who brings about drownings, floods and mysterious deaths because of their deep dislike of people. The two are locked forever in war with humans in the middle as the Wakíŋyaŋ cannot chase them once they’re in the waters.
Eháŋna Wičháhapi (Burial Mounds)
There are over 20,000 burial mounds ranging from a hundred to several thousand years old in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Many are located in the area including at Ȟemníčhaŋ (Barn Bluff), Buffalo Slough, and Mní Čháŋ Kašká (Trempealeau Mountain).
Historic Dakota villages & current cities
- Thíŋta Wíta (Prairie Island)
- Ȟemníčhaŋ Othúŋwe Wašté (Beautiful Village of Bluffs-Water-Woods) [Red Wing]
- Mniówe (Spring Water) [Wabasha]
- Thípi Óta (Many Lodges) [Kellogg]
- Ȟupáhu Thathíŋta (Prairie Of The Wings) [Winona area]
Pronunciation audio
Bodies of water:
- Wakpá Tháŋka (Big River) [Mississippi River]
- Mniská Wakpá (Cloudy Water River) [Whitewater River]
- Wazí Ožú Wakpá (Pine Grove River) [Zumbro River]
- Ȟé Wašté Wakpá (Pretty Hill River) [Eau Galle River]
- Íŋyaŋ Bosdáta Wakpá (Standing [Upright] Rock River) [Cannon River]
- Mayá Šá Wakpá (Red Bluff River) [Rush River]
- Ičápšiŋpšiŋčadaŋ Wakpádaŋ [Shallow River]
- Sápa Wakpá (Black River)
- Ȟaȟá Sápa (Black Falling Water) [Black River Falls]
- Tháŋka Bdé (Big Lake) [Lake Pepin]
- Bdé Ȟé Wašté (Pretty Hill Lake) [Lake Eau Galle]
- Šakhíya Thabdé (He Paints Himself Red Lake) [Sturgeon Lake]
- Íŋyaŋ Hmihmá (Round Stone) [Rollingstone Creek]
Pronunciation audio
Other places of note
- Íŋyaŋ Thiyópa (Stone Door) [Frontenac State Park]
- Winúŋna Hiyúič’iye (Winúŋna Leaps) [Maiden Rock Bluff]
- Wahíŋkpe Káǧapi (Makes Arrow) [Bow And Arrow Effigy]
- Thíŋta Winúŋna (Prairie Of The First Born Daughter) [Winona Prairie]
Pronunciation audio
Bluffs
- Ȟemníčhaŋ (Bluff-water-woods) [Barn Bluff]
- Mní Čháŋ Kašká (Water Wood To-Tie-Something) [Trempealeau Mountain]
- Íŋyaŋ Máza Sú (Iron Stone Bullets) [Red Wing Bluffs @ Memorial Park, Red Wing]
- Mayá Siŋtéȟda (Rattlesnake Tail Bluff) [Rattlesnake Hill / Pepin Heights Orchard]
- Oná Wóžupiptaŋ Iphá (Prairie-Fire Garden-To-Turn-Over Point) [Diamond Bluff]
- Ȟé Wašté (Pretty Hills)
- Waŋmdí Hoȟpí (Eagle Nest)
- Wapháha Ša Pahá (Wabasha’s Hat) [Sugarloaf Hill]
Pronunciation audio
Modern locations
- Wátakiŋyaŋ Oínažiŋ – Airport
- Asáŋpi Niní Káǧa Thípi Iyótaŋ Wašté – Best Creamery
- Ȟemáni Oínažiŋ – Amtrak Train
- Wayékiya Thípi – Casino
- Kakáŋpi Máǧa – Sculpture Garden
- Wíškate Mazóphiye – Toy Store
- Háŋpa káǧa thípi – Shoe Factory
- Phétawata – Paddleboat
- Naíč’ihmihma Očháŋku – Bike Trail
- Mni Akáŋ Osdóhaŋ Kič’úŋ – Water skiing
- Akhíd Thiípasotka – Fire tower (lookout)