Description
The Mission of the Wakan Tipi Center is to serve as an intergenerational gathering place that honors Wakan Tipi and the maka paha as Dakota sacred sites. The project aims to connect people to the landscape through immersive experiences in Dakota history, lifeways, language, and values. The building features an exhibit hall, classroom, ceremony & community gathering area, and teaching kitchen to showcase and expand the value of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary as a place for cultural healing, life-long learning, and inspiration. Sustainable efforts include a geothermal energy system for heating and cooling of the building and a roof-top solar array.
Construction of this project happened in multiple phases. The first phase, utility installation and site grading, began in the summer of 2022 and was completed in early 2023. The second phase consisted of construction of the Wakan Tipi Center building and temporary site access. A public opening occurred in May 2026. The third and final phase will include the construction of a permanent parking lot and improved site access. It will begin following the reconstruction of the Kellogg/3rd Street Bridge adjacent to the site.
Additional project information can be found at the website of our project partner, Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi, Wakan Tipi Center