Project supported by new $4.7 million grant
By OWÁMNIYOMNI OKHÓDAYAPI
After 10 years of community-led discussions, Tribal engagement, fundraising and project design, the Dakota-led nonprofit Owámniyomni Okhódayapi has started construction on the restoration of a five-acre site at Owámniyomni (St. Anthony Falls), adjacent to the Upper Lock on Ȟaȟa Wakpá (Mississippi River) in Minneapolis.
Once complete, the restoration will create both a wildlife habitat and human experience at one of Minnesota’s most popular and iconic outdoor spaces that reflects the significance of the sacred Dakota site before colonization.
Owámniyomni Okhódayapi recently received a $4.7 million grant from Mellon Foundation, directly supporting the immediate land transformation work.
“This moment marks more than the start of construction for the Owámniyomni project – it is a step toward healing a sacred Dakota place, restoring our relationship with the land and water, and making Dakota people visible in our homelands again,” said Shelley Buck, president of Owámniyomni Okhódayapi. “We are deeply grateful for this transformative gift of nearly $5 million from Mellon Foundation, which helps make it possible to bring Dakota voices, values and stewardship back to the River, while fundamentally reshaping how people understand Mnísota and healing historical wounds. We are grateful that the Mellon Foundation recognizes the significance of Native-leadership, tribal sovereignty and community healing. Together, we are ensuring this place is honored not as a resource, but as a living relative for generations to come.”
The restoration will occur over a phased timeline, with phase one focused on the land and plant elements in 2026-2027. Phase two, which will focus on water and shoreline restoration, is planned for 2028.
Project construction began in mid-May 2026 to start the land transformation of the Owámniyomni project, focused on site preparation and planting. Initial activities to prepare the site include removing the second level of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers central control station, a non-functioning restroom facility and the Upper Lock parking lot. Security fencing and utilities will also be relocated. From there, planting will begin to reintroduce Native species at the site, including oak savanna and upland prairie, using seeds and soils sourced from Dakota Tribal lands in Minnesota.
While the site will be closed for construction until spring 2027, the public is invited to visit the surrounding area, attend interpretive tours and participate in programming at the new Owámniyomni Engagement Space, adjacent to the project site and located in the Crown Plaza building.
Funding for the Owámniyomni restoration comes from a mix of public and private funders as the organization leads a $60 million fundraising campaign. To date, $40.5 million has been raised, thanks to early support from Paul and Mary Reyelts, Mark and Nancy Wilson, Mellon Foundation, Bush Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation, and hundreds of additional supporters. Funding is also provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and Outdoor Heritage Fund.
The organization is on track to gain ownership of the federal land through conveyance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in late 2026.
About Owámniyomni Okhódayapi
Owámniyomni Okhódayapi is a Dakota-led organization creating a future where Dakota culture has a vital presence and Dakota values – such as mní wičóni, or water is life – are embedded into Minnesotans’ communal existence. For more information, visit owamniyomni.org.
