Chief Arvol Lookinghorse, 19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, and Chris Leith, spiritual elder in the Prairie Island Indian Community, will conduct a ceremony on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at approximately 12:00 noon. Chief Lookinghorse has spent his life working for religious freedom, protection of sacred sites, and cultural survival. A feast/lunch and wopida (“thank you†giveaway) will follow. Please bring a potluck dish to share. All are welcome to attend.
We are filled with wonder at the accomplishments since the Pilot Knob Preservation Association was formed six years ago:
–a proposal for building 157 townhomes on the hill was defeated;
–the 25 acre “development site†is now open to the public and owned by the City of Mendota Heights;
–the ten-year site restoration to an oak savannah ecosystem is underway with thousands of flowers in bloom, eleven oaks and 2,000 acorns planted;
–two interpretive signs tell the story, in Dakota and English, of the unique history and sacred significance of Pilot Knob/Oheyawahi;
–an overlook that recognizes the seven council fires of Dakota people will soon be installed by the City of Mendota Heights and Great River Greening.
When Chief Lookinghorse was last on Pilot Knob, he and Chris Leith gave the hill a new name: Wotakuye Paha, the hill of all the relatives. Please join the relatives in celebration and thanksgiving for the remarkable events that you have contributed to.
It’s on Pilot Knob——at the far north end of Pilot Knob Road, where it intersects with Acacia Blvd.
Ceremony with Chief Arvol Lookinghorse and Chris Leith
Sunday October 4, 2009 at around noon.
Feast will follow at Holy Family Maronite Church fellowship hall.
Please bring a potluck dish to share.
Location: Pilot Knob Hill/Oheyawahi
at the north end of Pilot Knob Road (near 2151 Pilot Knob Road)
Mendota Heights, MN
Directions from Minneapolis to Oheyawahi/Pilot Knob:
South on Highway 35 W to Highway 62;
East on Highway 62 which becomes Hwy 55;
Go east across the Mendota Bridge on Highway 55;
Veer left onto Highway 110 (leaving Hwy 55);
At the first stoplight turn right onto new Highway 13;
Follow new Highway 13 a short distance to Acacia Boulevard;
Turn right onto Acacia Blvd to Pilot Knob Road;
Turn right (north) onto Pilot Knob Road which ends at the site of the ceremony.
Park on either side of Pilot Knob Road or Acacia Boulevard.
Directions from St. Paul to Oheyawahi/Pilot Knob:
South on Highway 35E to Hwy 110;
Exit 101B going West on Hwy 110 for 1.3 miles;
Turn left at stoplight onto new Hwy 13;
Follow new Highway 13 a short distance to Acacia Boulevard;
Turn right onto Acacia Blvd to Pilot Knob Road;
Turn right (north) onto Pilot Knob Road which ends at the site of the ceremony.
Park on either side of Pilot Knob Road or Acacia Boulevard.
The feast and giveaway following the ceremony at Pilot Knob will be at:
Holy Family Maronite Church – 1960 Lexington Ave So. Mendota Heights
From Pilot Knob/Oheyawahi, go east on Acacia Blvd to Hwy 13;
north on Hwy 13 to stoplight at Hwy 110;
right/east on Hwy 110 to Lexington;
left/north onto Lexington;
take the second right turn into 1960 Lexington Ave South.