Advancing the greater community’s understanding of Dakota people is a critical mission of Hoċokata Ṫi and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The following resources provide factual information that educators can use to enhance the teaching of the Native American experience—past and present— to younger generations.
Educator Guides
The Understand Native Minnesota campaign, supported by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, released two groundbreaking publications in January 2024 to help educators teach Native American content in Minnesota schools.
A Guide to Reliable Native American-Related Teaching Resources
This first-of-its-kind guide provides educators with a classified bibliography of 550 recommendable teaching resources aligned with current state English Language Arts academic standards for use by teachers.
Minnesota Native American Essential Understandings for Educators
Published in conjunction with Native Governance Center, this guide provides teachers, curriculum developers, students, and others with a compilation of the most essential information about Native people and tribal governments in the state.
Other Resources
Dakota Moons Calendar
Traditionally, lunar cycles were an important guide for Dakota people, who varied their work according to the time of year. The moon helped track the length of seasons, as well as peak harvest and hunting times.
These calendars share the names, dates, and significance of the traditional Dakota moons of the Ṡákpe Mdewak̇aŋṫuŋwaŋ people.
Videos
Visit our video library to learn about traditional Dakota lifeways, art, language, games, and more.
