A Letter from our Executive Director

February is Black History Month and we are thrilled to use our blog this month to lift the stories of our brothers and sisters in the fight with us to protect and honor uŋči maka, our grandmother earth. 2020 was a trying year. But as I think back about those who have helped me, personally, get through this year; those who inspired me, encouraged me, brought me food (!); I am so honored to be in community with some incredible Black and Afro-Indigenous folks. Our communities have helped one another, time and again, when we have been in need. We show up for one another at times like Standing Rock and the murder of George Floyd; we support one another’s fights at the Capitol and in the streets, and we make gains together. I am looking forward to all the ways we can continue to build community and break down barriers with our Black brothers and sisters, this year and into the future – for the next seven generations. 

Dakota Months of the Year

February —   Wičhá thawí  — is called the racoon moon as it’s the moon that racoons start to make families. It is also the perfect time to play thakápsiča or lacrosse. Thakápsiča/ lacrosee is a game that originated with the first peoples of Turtle Island. For Dakota people, this game is a gift from Creator. Everyone in the community can play this game wether it be during the summer months on the soft prairies or the winter months on the hard ice. However, with the coming of European settlers, thakápsiča was more or less appropriated. But today, there are hundreds of community members working to resurge this beautiful game and the cultural practices that follow. There’s even aTwin Cities Native Lacrosse League.

Uplifting Black Environmentalists
in Mni Sota

By the time this essay is published, Black History Month will be nearly half-over. It is impossible to encapsulate in just one month—the shortest month of the year—the countless ways in which Black people have shaped this country. Nevertheless, we dedicate this month’s blog to the Black folks and communities we admire that have made, and continue to make, our local communities vibrant, specifically in the realm of environmental stewardship, justice, and activism. 

This month, we encourage you to learn more about these individuals and their work, and take action in supporting their efforts and the efforts of other Black folks doing this powerful work for the planet. Black History Month is not just about educating ourselves on the past – but educating ourselves on the ways Black Americans are making history now. Let’s support their powerful work and lift their stories, now and into the future. [to read more click here]

“This is Dakota Land” Lawn Sign 

Wow – you all are fast! We only have 20 more of our lawn signs left. But don’t worry, If you haven’t made a purchase yet, orders are open until 11PM Sunday night (2/14) on our website.

For those of you that have purchased a sign – phidamayaye – thank you! Please keep an eye out for an upcoming email notifying you when the signs are ready for pick up.