Three Rivers Park District received a grant from the Business Council of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to expand Native American education programming at the Lowry Nature Center. With this support, the district created a new interpretive trail that shares Dakota history, language, and lifeways in a meaningful, place-based way.
Scope
106 Group developed a series of six wayside panels for the trail at Carver Park Reserve’s Lowry Nature Center. Guided by a Dakota Advisory Group—comprised of elders, cultural advisors, and knowledge-keepers—each panel highlights Dakota perspectives on the natural world and features a spoken-word audio message. The waysides present content in both Dakota and English, offering visitors an immersive and accessible learning experience.
Outcome
This project strengthens the nature center’s K–12 curriculum and enriches the visitor experience for all ages. By integrating Native American perspectives into the park’s core interpretation, the trail helps deepen awareness and celebrate the Dakota people who continue to live, work, and shape the landscape of Minnesota today.
