In Relation to What Connects Us
Coffman Memorial Union - University of Minnesota Twin Cities Mural
In Relation to What Connects Us
(Táku Uŋkáikhoyakapi Kiŋ) Mural
Coffman Memorial Union – University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus, 2025
Vinyl mural installation (Created in Adobe Illustrator, vector)
Commissioned by the University of Minnesota
Minneapolis and Saint Paul stand on the traditional homelands of the Dakota people. At the heart of the place is Bdóte, the sacred meeting of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers and the Dakota site of creation. This confluence embodies the deep interconnectedness of land, sky, water and all living beings. The murals reflect these relationships through Dakota knowledge and through the voices of UMN students. Their reflections on connection and belonging (gathered during an interactive activity) remind us that we are all connected beneath the surface.
The Milky Way, known in Dakota teachings as the Spirit Road, is mirrored on Earth by the two great rivers, showing the unity of sky and land. At the center stands the cottonwood tree, a living bridge between realms whose roots reach into the waters of creation while its branches carry the stars. The kapemni teaching – “what is above is reflected below” – expresses this continuous relationship between the seen and unseen, the earthly and the celestial. Together, these elements form a sacred hoop of knowledge, inviting all who stand before the mural to recognize their place within this circle and to honor the relationships that sustain us.
Student voices
To gather community voices for the mural, I created an interactive sticker activity inspired by the thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Hetkádaŋ). Participants were invited to complete prompts such as, “The path I dig helps others to…” and “We’re all connected beneath the surface through…” Drawing from the ground squirrel’s role in creating burrows that support entire underground communities, the activity encouraged people to reflect on how their own actions create opportunities for others. The responses were collected throughout the engagement process and became the foundation for quotes woven directly into the mural, allowing the artwork to carry the voices and values of the community itself.
Coloring page
Hetkádaŋ
Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel
Known as the thirteen-lined ground squirrel in Mnísota, this little animal is called Hetkádaŋ in the Dakota language. With bold stripes running down their back, the Hetkádaŋ is more than just cute, they’re a tireless helper of the land!
As they dig and burrow, they aerate the soil, spread seeds, and cycle nutrients, keeping Grandmother Earth healthy and strong.
Even after they move out, other animals often move in: their tunnels become cozy homes in an underground network of life.
It’s no wonder the University of Mnísota modeled Goldy the Gopher after this mighty little relative!
