Welcome to the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community.
We are a nonprofit 501C3 organization dedicated to protecting important and sacred sites and bringing Dakota Oyate (nation) culture back to its birthplace in Minnesota.
1200 Centre Pointe Curve. Mendota Heights, MN 55120
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Ancestors back to Little Crow Cetanwakanmani
I’m so proud of my ancestors back to Little Crow Cetanwakanmani and beyond. Related to
Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community Pledge Form.
Can you help us pay rent at a new place? One the pledge form you
Illinois now federally-recognized-tribal-nation.
Illinois home-to-federally-recognized-tribal-nation-following-historic-decision – following-historic-decision-by-u-s-department-of-the-interior. Let pray Mendota is next!!
We are moving upstairs on Saturday April 27, please be here by 11am.
This just came up last week. That an office came up , so we took
30 year Anniversary Environmental Initiative Awards on 6/5
Mike Harley Executive Director | Environmental Initiative cell: 651-208-7090 environmental-initiative.org 807 Broadway St., NE, Suite 230, Minneapolis,
Mens Ribbon Shirt changed to Saturday May 18, from 11am – 4pm. Potluck!
Next class will be Saturday May 18, 11 – 4pm Potluck. Sorry for the changed
Download our FLYER for the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota 27th Pow Wow Sept
Pidamayaye for coming to our Wacipi. PLEASE NOTE: The flyer is not complete, we will
Fundraiser for Division Indian Works, “Wambli Soars” April 27, 4 -7-pm.
Allina for Division of Indian works April 27 4-7.
- Acquire a land base so we can build a community center.
- Obtain federal recognition.
- Maintain a tribal office in Mendota.
- Promote and support the preservation of the Dakota culture, including protecting sites of cultural significance to the Dakota people.
- Promote a better understanding between the Native American community and the public.
- Teach community members and others the Dakota language.
- Develop self-sufficiency through in-house business.
We believe we are here to play an important spiritual and cultural role for all people who live here in the land of our ancestors. Please help us to continue our mission by DONATING to our cause. Pidamaya! (Thank you)
Ancestors back to Little Crow Cetanwakanmani
I’m so proud of my ancestors back to Little Crow Cetanwakanmani and beyond. Related to the Wabasha chiefs as well. If anyone can let me
Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community Pledge Form.
Can you help us pay rent at a new place? One the pledge form you can state that the donation is for the pledge to
Illinois now federally-recognized-tribal-nation.
Illinois home-to-federally-recognized-tribal-nation-following-historic-decision – following-historic-decision-by-u-s-department-of-the-interior. Let pray Mendota is next!!
We are moving upstairs on Saturday April 27, please be here by 11am.
This just came up last week. That an office came up , so we took it the suite is 120, first door on the right.
30 year Anniversary Environmental Initiative Awards on 6/5
Mike Harley Executive Director | Environmental Initiative cell: 651-208-7090 environmental-initiative.org 807 Broadway St., NE, Suite 230, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Celebrate collaboration at the 30th Anniversary Environmental Initiative Awards on 6/5! Learn more
Mens Ribbon Shirt changed to Saturday May 18, from 11am – 4pm. Potluck!
Next class will be Saturday May 18, 11 – 4pm Potluck. Sorry for the changed again. We are moving upstairs suite 125. Class is full,
Download our FLYER for the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota 27th Pow Wow Sept
Pidamayaye for coming to our Wacipi. PLEASE NOTE: The flyer is not complete, we will be adding more details to it shortly. Can not wait
Fundraiser for Division Indian Works, “Wambli Soars” April 27, 4 -7-pm.
Allina for Division of Indian works April 27 4-7.
Mendota’s 30th Anniversary Wednesday June 19, at St. Peters in Mendota MN.
Important: Our 30 anniversary is Wednesday June 19, 2024, at St Peter’s Church 9am – 7pm. More information will be on our website and emails.
New Growth from Old Roots Circle News Feb 2000
http://mendotadakota.com/mn/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/New-Growth-from-Old-Roots.pdf
Mendota Elections are in April. Current Tribal Council will run again.
UPDATE: The elections are over as of April 15, 2024. The current tribal council is still the tribal council for 4 more years. The
Native American: Navigating Dakota Legacy – A Cruise.
Native American: Navigating Dakota Legacy – A Cruise Through Time & Culture Along the Mississippi River (Southwest) I will be going who would like to
Minnesota Land Returned to the Sioux.
Minnesota Government has Officially Returned Upper Sioux Agency State Park to the Dakota People.
A flute album has been released by one of our members! We Are The Medicine
Max Cameo, Member of Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community has released a Native American Flute album collaborating with Anishinaabe author and musician Wayne Standing Bear
Sharon Lennartson 10th grandfather is Chief Cetanwakanmani the 3rd.
Chief Cetanwakanmani is the 10 granfather to my first cousins. Chief Little Crow Charging Hawk Cetan Waku Mani (born Cetanwakanmani), III, 1763 – 1830 Chief
MMDTC Consent Form
MMDTC Enrollment_Consent_Form_1001 2020
Bloomington Snow Plow Driver John, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
It’s a fact: Minnesota has the best snowplow drivers in the nation. As soon as the snow hits the ground, our crews are ready
“Mendota Dakota Erasure & Recognition” Mike Klein & Chris Mato Nunpa
Dr. Mike Klein 2rd Book (Mendota Dakota Erasure and Recognition) With Commentary by Dr. Chris Mato Nunpa. Go to Amazon to buy the book Mendota
Mendota Dakota: Stories of Land and Leadership by Mike Klein (Author).
You can get the book on Amazon, all proceed go to Mendota Community. Pidamaya to St. Thomas University for funding the book. Thank you Amy
Mens Ribbon Shirts Class Saturday April 11, 11 – 4.
Men’s Ribbon Shirts Saturday has been moved a week ahead. Wendy needs to go out of town. So Saturday April 11, 11 – 4. Must
Ribbon Skirt and Basket Weaving class and potluck were a real success!
Pidamayaye to Cinnamon Bankey and Mending the Sacred Hoop for sponsoring our Ribbon Skirt class and providing all the materials. Also, Pidamayaye Wendy Biorn for
Other classes at the Mendota Tribal Office in Mendota Heights 55120.
Other classes we will be having over the summer and fall. Classes will be posted as soon as we finalize the dates. Making fry bread
Inipi Saturday March 9 light the fire at 11am-ish.
Everyone is invited. Inipi Saturday March 9, we light the fire at 11am and go into the lodge at 1:00 or 2:00. IF YOU LOOK
Ribbon Skirt Class Saturday, March 9th, 10-3:00. Potluck! Class is full.
Ribbon Class Mending the Sacred Hoop & the Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community is having a ribbon skirt class. Mending the Sacred Hoop is sponsoring us
Sister Kathleen Storms, will graciously do another basket class 3-4-24.
Sister Kathleen Storms, a wonderful sister, has graciously said she would do another basket class. Kathleen is from Lumen Christi Church. Kathleen will be teaching
Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota 27th Traditional Wacipi Pow Wow Sept 13-15-2024
Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community 27th Traditional Wacipi (Pow Wow) Sept 13-15-2024. We are on drumhop.com & powwows.com as of 2-13-24. We will be on
Faribault Indians June14,1863.
Faribault Indians June 14, 1863 (1)Excerpts the a Hasting MN Gazette MHS 1-3-1885 – Dec 31 1887
Excerpts from Hasting Newspaper 1-3-1885.
Excerpts the a Hasting MN Gazette MHS 1-3-1885 – Dec 31 1887 Albert LeClaire is Grandfather to Lillian Anderson, Beverly Scott, Morris Brown, Robert Brown,
Sisters of St. Joseph who have retired. And the Consociate Community.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Thank you Sharon for joining us yesterday Feb 15th, 2024. What a blessed opportunity for a good group of community
Dakota Language Class on zoom has been canceled for Feb 1st 2024.
Greetings Everyone! Dakota Language Class on zoom has been canceled. I will see if I can get another language teacher for the evenings and have
What do Women Ribbon Skirts and Men Ribbon Shirts mean.
The Dakota ribbon shirt holds deep cultural and historical significance among Native American communities. Let’s explore its rich meaning: Adaptation and Endurance: Ribbon shirts are a prime
Inipi Sat 2-10, fire at 11:00am. Go in to the lodge around 1:00.
At the Dupuis House behind the garage. Feast after ceremony please bring a dish to share. Love Sharon
Honoring Our Ancestors Saturday Feburary 3, 2024.
Honoring Our Ancestors Saturday Feb 3, 2024. We will be meeting even if it is very cold. Consider the people back in 1862 who were
PIIC leaders move on. Is Congress in the future?
PIIC leaders move on. Is Congress in the future? By catwhipple December 5, 2023 Top: Michael Childs Jr. (Treasurer), and Cody Whitebear (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer).
Letters to send for donations. Pidamaya the Mendota’s Tribal Council.
Look on our site on the left side you will be a big hand click there for the fundraiser letter. Please send to everyone you
Please read about Mendota’s Inipi or Sweat Lodge and protocol. Welcome!
I sent out an email to most of you a few days ago. When Joseph called me to cancel the inipi and put it on
Protesting this sacred mound. Mendota is mention on Nov 10 2004 on page 3
When the Mendota heard about the mound we went there put up a teepee and started to protest. Our ancestors should be left in there
End of Year Gratitude Letter.
End of Year Gratitude Letter Welcome to 2024! Where the hope is new and our eyes fresh to continue the work we have been doing
Inipi in the Pennsylvania State prison.
Here’s a link to the Circle News article about building the Inipi in the Pennsylvania State prison. https://thecirclenews.org/cover-story/locals-build-sweatlodge-for-pa-prisoners/ Chaplain Ammon, Lisa Yankton, Tom Weaver, Lon and
Mni Wiconi Full Moon Walk at Sacred Coldwater Springs.
Mni Wiconi Full Moon Walk at Sacred Coldwater Springs Thursday, January 25, 2024 Gather at the park entrance, 7 pm Park on the Hwy 55
Winter Solistice with a pipe ceremony.
Winter Solistice with a pipe ceremony. Thursday Dec 21, at 7pm. At 984 Oxford St N. Bring your drum or flute, we will tell
Inipi Help
Hello Relatives, your help is needed today to unload rocks and wood and reposition the canvasses on the Sweatlodge for our Inipi Ceremonies. Volunteers will
Old Betz or Old Bets was a well known famous Mdewakanton Dakota Woman1870.
1870 Flat Mount Stereoview Old Betz W.H.Illingworth Minnesota photographer 1862 Dakota War Old Bets Mdewakanton Dakota Woman “Old Betz or Old Bets”was a well known
Families who are getting gift cards, deadline is Sat Dec 16th, 12:00 – 2pm
Do you drive or can you get a ride if you live close by Mendota? Most gift cards will be from Target, Cub, Walmart. Largers
Inipi tomorrow Dec 9th, 2023.
Inipi, fire at 11:00 am, inipi at 2:00. Pot luck! Please come early to help Joseph and Dwayne. We are asking for donations for Joseph
Our Christmas was fabulous on Dec 2, 2023 there were about 70 people there
Our Christmas was fabulous, there were about 70 people there. Some did not sign in so it could have been 75 people? Pidamaya ye creator
Mendota Treaty 1851.
No mention in Mendota MN about Native Americans living in Mendota for Centuries.
Welcome Karen Clark former Minnesota House of Representatives.
Karen served from 1993–2013 62A district. I met Karen back in 1998. Karen came down to the camp – highyway 55 and coldwater. Bob and
The Winter 2023 newsletter is published and available to read!
The Winter 2023 edition of our newsletter is complete and can be viewed, printed, downloaded here: https://mendotadakota.com/mn/newsletter Do you have any news, stories, photos, suggestions
Social Justice Friends, to help Mendota pay our rent for 3 years.
Social Justice Friends, Thanks to the efforts of a number of us on this email, we are happy to say that there is a growing
Suggested Christmas Food to Bring on Saturday Dec 2, 12-4.
Suggested Christmas Food to Bring on Dec 2, 12-4. Hope you can all make it. If not Merry Christmas! Food for Christmas party. Please bring
Mendota’s Christmas and gift card party Dec 2, 12-4 potluck!
We are really hoping you can join us at our office for the Mendota Christmas and Gift Card Party on December 2nd from 12pm, 2023.
Beautiful 2023 Pow Wow photos from Eagle Eye Steve Allen
Thank you to Eagle Eye Steve Allen for these beautiful Pow wow photos. See more of his photography at https://www.facebook.com/Eagle-Eye-Steve-Allen-100068739035691
Article from Indian County Today by Jenna Kunze Aug 4th 2021.
Jenna will do others article too. She may be at the Wacipi too. Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribe to again seek federal recognition. Here is the
Last basket class Friday Dec 8th from 11:00 – 3:00.
Last basket class Friday Dec 8th from 11:00 – 3:00. May not take that long? Pizza provided no potluck. Next class is Jan 2024. Will
The Lakota Ghost Dance and the Massacre at Wounded Knee
The Lakota Ghost Dance and the Massacre at Wounded Knee How the American drive to force Indian assimilation turned violent on the plains of South
Christmas Party Sat Dec 2, 12-4. This is also a potluck and gift cards.
To all families in need of help this holiday season. Mendota can help you in a small way. If you need a gift card this
Little Crow the 3RD Taoyateduta, also the Mendota Treaty, Kaposia.
Little Crow III (Dakota: July 3, 1863) was a chief of a band of the Mdewakanton people. The Mdewakanton had been displaced by the Ojibwe/Chippewa from their ancestoral
Thanksgiving Full Moon Walk at Sacred Coldwater Springs.
Thanksgiving Full Moon Walk at Sacred Coldwater Springs Monday. November 27, 2023 Gather at the park entrance, 7pm Park on the Hwy 55 access road The
Kathleen Storms has graciously said she would do a basket class.
Kathleen Storms, a wonderful nun, has graciously said she would do a basket class. Kathleen is from Lumen Christi Church. Kathleen will be teaching a
Inipi is the 2nd Sat of each month, fire at 11:00 lodge from 1:00 or 2:00.
Inipi or sweat lodge is the 2nd Saturday of each month, fire at 11:00am, go into the Inipi or lodge about 1:00 or 2:00. Inipi
Mendota will be getting a Gofundme page soon to help us get land.
Once we get a donation letter written I hope soon. Mendota Tribal Council
Indian Industrial School in Carlisles one of the students was Lilly Felix.
Lilly is Sharon Lennartson grandmother, married to AlBert LeClaire. Lilly is also grandmother to the LeClaire, Cisek, and Pietig and others. Last Name First Name
Beautiful Mendota Dakota POW WOW 2023 photos from Deborah Jahn & Becketwood Senior Cooperative
Thank you Deborah Jahn and a group from a group from the Becketwood Senior Cooperative for sharing these beautiful Mendota Dakota POW WOW 2023 photos
Beautiful Photos of the Mendota POW WOW 2023 by Jill Warren
Thank you to Jill Warren for this lovely gallery of photos from the Mendota POW WOW 2023. View the gallery here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/140304406@N04/albums/72177720311087226
Migration Full Moon Walk at Coldwater Springs – Saturday October 28, 2023
Migration Full Moon Walk at Coldwater Springs – Saturday October 28, 2023 Inbox Search for all messages with label Inbox Remove label Inbox from this
Albert LeClaire at Prior Lake Indian Community from the 1920 -1940.
Albert LeClair had 17 acres. Abraham Robinette also had land at Prior Lake Indian community.
NEW NEWSLETTER FEATURE! Please sign up right away
We have a new feature on our website you might have seen. It’s a newsletter sign up form. This is not the annual newsletter, this
Please help us get a community center and land for our people stolen land.
We are looking for funding, grants, donations, gifts. We did received $250,000 towards land and community center from the Sisters of Charity. Thank you for
I got so many emails, text and calls no one want me to quit doing the PW.
I got so many emails, text and calls no one want me to quit doing the Pow Wow / Wacipi. So I will do the
Psincinea Harvest flyer.
Here is the flyer for the Psincinca (Children of the Rice) Harvest. Psincinca Fall Harvest Thursday Oct 19, 2023.
“Monthly, pipe ceremony on the Full Moon with Joseph Bester.
Monthly on the Full Moon, pipe cermonaery from 6pm to 8:30pm every Wednesday from Saturday Oct 28 to Monday Feb 5, 2024 (Central Standard Time
We will be building a new lodge over the next two Saturdays.
We will be building a new lodge over the next two Saturdays starting with taking down the old one this Saturday, tomorrow, and re-digging the
Mendota is looking for new Honorary Members.
Honorary Members are people who are not lineal members but want to be part of the Mendota Native Community. We have 84 honorary members as
The Wacipi / Powwow was our best ever, so many people came.
Mendota had the best Wacipi / Powwow ever, we get bigger each year. Pidamaya ye to our security, helpers, dancers, drummers, vendors and all of our
Inipi Saturday Sept 16th. Start fire at 12:00 We go in at 3:00 sharp.
Inipi Saturday Sept 16th. Start fire at 12:00. We go in at 3:00 sharp. We can use the DuPuis House after 3 until 6pm. Please
Sharon’s Birthday Party. NO GIFTS, please bring a dish to pass
Sharon’s 77 Birthday Party Monday Aug 28th 3-7 open house. At the office 1200 Centre Pointe Curve Mendota Heights 55120 Suite 150 down stairs on
Vendors application for our Mendota Powwow Sept 8-9-10th 2023.
Here is the vendors application for Mendota’s PowWow on Sept 8-9-10th 2023. Application must be in by Aug 15th, along with your payment. Thank You
Super AND Blue Full Moon Walk at Sacred Coldwater Springs
Super AND Blue Full Moon Walk at Sacred Coldwater Springs Wednesday, August 30, 2023 Gather at the park entrance, 7 pm Park on the Hwy
Sacred Red Rock. Two articles from Eden Prairie Local News
Sacred Red Rock unveiled: A remarkable journey of rediscovery and repatriation After a decade in a front yard, a sacred sandstone rock finds its way
ACH Easy Direct Payment Plan for Members updated. Thank You for caring!
MMDC would like to remind you that a Direct Payment Plan option is available. You can have your payment made automatically from your checking or
The Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community will set up a village
The Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community will set up our village approximately from Aug 28 – Sept 2, 2023? St Peters Church in Mendota has
Wacipi / Powwow Donation Request Letter for 2023.
Donation Request pow wow 2023
Inipi will be Sat July 15th. We had to reschedule because of Mendota Days.
On July 8th Sibley Memorial HWY will be closed from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM due to the parade and other events for Mendota Days. This
Video from 1960s Mendota Parade. Minnesota Mendota MN
Here’s an interesting video of a parade from the 1960s in Mendota. There is an interesting section where someone pretending to be drunk and dressed
Membership is officially closed until further notice as of June 1st 2023.
Membership is officially closed until further notice as of June 1st 2023. The Mendota Tribal Council. Tribal Chairwoman: Sharon Lennartson. Vice Chairperson: Steven Renville.
We need help to build our Dakota Village at our Powwow.
We will be building a Dakota Village at St Peters Church a week before the Powwow. The Powwow is Sept 8-9-10 2023. If you would
Inipi Saturday June 10th at the DuPuis House in Mendota.
Fire at 2 Inipi at 4 Feast Indian time from 6-6:30. Please bring a dish to pass. Joseph
Fundraiser / Sale update June – 8, 9, 10 11am- 6pm, no early birds.
Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community Fundraiser Sale. The Mendota Indian Community has been in Mendota for almost 30 years. Our roots go back to the
Mendota’s Inipi are the second Saturday of each month. WELCOME ALL.
Welcome everyone to our Mendota’s Inipi. Our Inipi is the second Saturday of each month. At the Dupuis House in Mendota 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy,
Sharon Lennartson & Cousins Lineage Chief Little Crow III CETANWAKANMANI
PDF: Tunwi-Sharon-Lineage
We had our Canoe class finally.
Thank you to Ray and Christie Boessel for their wonderful canoe demonstration. Ray has been making canoes for over 40 years. Thank you and we
Inipi Saturday May 13 11:00am start fire, sweat at 2pm. Potluck
Come early to help setup. Joseph and Duane need help Help prepare sweat, prepare feast, signin sheet , anything Joseph needs help with. Love Sharon
Update. How to build a canoe. Wednesday May 10-2023, 5 – 7 hours.
HOW TO BUILD A NATIVE DISPLAY CANOE: WHEN: 9am, Wednesday May 10th 2023, WHERE: 1200 Centre Pointe Curve Mendota Heights 55120 suite 150 TIME: This
Lee Newcomb article in the Chanhassen Neighbors 4-23
Lee Newcomb Article in the Chanhassen Neighbors 4-23 Lee is a family member, he will be joing the Mendota Community soon. Lee does wonderful artwork.
Families in Mendota MN.
Felix, LeClaire, Renville, DuPuis, Fernier,Turpin, Bellecourt, Robinette, Campbell, Lemay, LaCroix, LaBatte, Newcomb, Perron, Leith, Sherry, Auge, Morin. Faribault, Cermak, Crooks, DuFour. Many of these families,
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