Fourth Annual Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ Water Blessing

On Monday October 12, please join us in honoring Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ (Bassett Creek). Indigenous Research Professor Darlene St. Clair (Dakota) will extend a special welcome to participants. A water blessing will be offered by water protectors Amara Moore (Sisseton Dakota/Anishinaabe) and Ronelle Siert (Sisseton Dakota/Anishinaabe). We'll also celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day through song, land acknowledgment, and updates about the Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ / Bassett Creek Oral History Project. Indigenous participants will share ways to care for the lands and waters of Mni Sóta Makoce (Minnesota). Using Dakota place names helps to honor the people who have lived here for thousands of years. Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ is the Dakota name for Bassett Creek. 10:00 - Water Blessing. Meet at Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 West Franklin Avenue, St. Louis Park, MN 55426. 10:30 (approximate) - Arts activities and education tables. Rain or shine. Free. Family friendly. Accessible. Please feel free to bring chairs, blankets, and water bottles. Free parking is available. Carpooling is encouraged. Registration is optional. Whóphida thaŋka (thank you!) to cultural advisors Bradley Blackhawk (Ho-Chunk), Darlene St. Clair (Dakota), Jim Rock (Dakota), and Roxanne Gould (Anishinaabe). Funders: Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission, City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission, and Valley Community Presbyterian Church. Community partners: City of Golden Valley DEI Commission, City of Minnetonka Historical Society, City of St. Louis Park, Golden Valley Historical Society, Minnesota Repair Communities, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, Plymouth History Center, Robbinsdale Historical Society, The Loppet, Three Rivers Park District, and Westwood Hills Nature Center.