Construction has Started to Restore Land, Water and Bluff Near Owámniyomni (St. Anthony Falls) in Minneapolis

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.… Read the rest “Construction has Started to Restore Land, Water and Bluff Near Owámniyomni (St. Anthony Falls) in Minneapolis”