Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community hosts first exhibit at state fair

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) will become the first tribal government to have an exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair.

The exhibit will be located in the education building from Aug. 26 to Sept. 6 and will feature information about SMSC and Minnesota’s 10 other tribal nations. Visitors can also learn more about the SMSC’s Understand Native Minnesota campaign to improve education about, and representation of, Native Americans in Minnesota schools.

“As the original inhabitants of Minnesota, Native people have made important contributions to the state for centuries and continue to do so today. But many Minnesotans don’t know much about the state’s tribes, their history, culture and governments,” said SMSC Chairman Keith Anderson. “We look forward to sharing information about our tribe and the other 10 sovereign nations during the State Fair this summer.”

The SMSC’s exhibit will feature an interactive, walk-through display in the shape of a tipi that will stand nearly 12 feet tall. The tipi’s exterior walls will include informational videos and visitors can walk through the tipi to learn more about Native American culture. It will be located on the east end of the education building.

The SMSC also invites the public to attend the annual SMSC Wacipi, Aug. 20-22. The free weekend-long Pow Wow will take place at the Wacipi Grounds in Shakopee and feature hundreds of Native American dancers and drum groups. The family-friendly event also includes vendors of Native American crafts and foods, as well as fireworks. All are welcome to attend.

Find more information here.