Join the 2025 Mighty Mississippi Clean Up Challenge in partnership with Goodhue County, City of Red Wing and Prairie Island Indian Community.

When: Saturday, April, 26th, 9 - 11 am (Rain/flood date: May 3rd)

Where: County Road 18 and Sturgeon Lake Rod AND Base of He Mni Can in Red Wing

Trash bags, vests, and garbage pick-up supplies are supplied.

Why?

The Mississippi River runs for 2,340 miles throughout the Country. Throughout our history, the river has served as a critical service to the environment, our citizens, and our economies. Yet the river is being heavily polluted. In fact, the Mississippi River is the 6th most endangered river in the US due to pollution.

Pollution not only poisons the environment around us but puts our citizen's health at risk and threatens dependent economies. The activity on the Mississippi River generates $496 Billion in yearly revenue. A clean river equates to future economic opportunities, a cleaner environment, and healthier populations. 

Minnesota is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi and the first 650 miles of river. What we do here in Minnesota directly impacts the remaining 1,700 miles. In reality, what we pollute here in Minnesota travels down the remaining 1,700 river miles.

Join us and bring a friend for a unique Honoring Dakota Project Community Crafting Circle that explores the power of collaboration and reflection through bilateral mirror drawing. In this engaging activity, participants will pair up to create mirrored drawings using paper and pastels, fostering a sense of presence, resilience, and reflection.

Working in pairs, participants will experience the joy of creating art together, learning to synchronize their movements and intentions. The exercise encourages individuals to reflect on their collaboration and personal insights, strengthening their connection to both their partner and the broader community.

Facilitators will be available to guide the drawing process, ensuring that everyone feels supported and inspired. Participants will receive information for self-direction, allowing them to explore their creativity at their own pace.

Upon completion, each collaborative art piece will be photographed, accompanied by self-reflections from the creators. With permission, these reflections and artworks will be shared with the community, celebrating the collective journey of artistic expression and mutual support. This crafting circle is a beautiful opportunity to connect with others and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of community stories.

This is the second of four 2025 quarterly Community Crafting Circles that explores the Honoring Dakota Welcome Home Model, which is an inclusive and holistic framework designed to guide all programming events towards realizing our mission and vision.  And offered as part of Red Wing Art’s monthly “Community Saturday” artmaking program.

This drop-in event is free and open to the public.

Join us on the He Mni Can Hike, Storytelling, and Art Experience, where the beauty of nature meets the rich cultural tapestry of the Dakota Oyate. Join us at the Entrance Plaza at the beginning of one of two sessions, 9 am or 11 am.  The Plaza is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the City of Red Wing and the Prairie Island Indian Community, designed to foster connection and community. This experience begins with storytelling that immerses you in the vibrant history and enduring legacy of the Dakota people. As you hike the sacred paths of He Mni Can, you'll discover the land's profound cultural significance, learn about indigenous plant life, and deepen your appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things.  Clay will be provided during the hike so you can make impression and provides each participant a keepsake of the experience, grounding them in land.

While atop He Mni Can you will see and learn more about the Honoring Dakota Mural, which was gifted to the Prairie Island Indian Community on October 9th 2023, Indigenous Peoples' Day.

This experience will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings and inspire you to tread more lightly on the earth.

This is the third of four 2025 quarterly Community Crafting Circles that explores the Honoring Dakota Welcome Home Model, which is an inclusive and holistic framework designed to guide all programming events towards realizing our mission and vision.  And offered as part of Red Wing Art’s monthly “Community Saturday” artmaking program.

This event is free and open to the public.

"Community Quilt: Tell Your Stories" brings the community together to express their unique stories, memories, and identities by piecing together individual quilt squares which were created by community members in May 2024. Together we will piece together each quilt square to form a collective story. This community crafting project not only celebrates the tapestry of our collective experiences but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection. This crafting circle is a beautiful opportunity to weave your story into the larger narrative of our community. Together we can stitch together our vision for a community of care, utilizing diverse and integrated community resources.

This is the last of four 2025 quarterly Community Crafting Circles that explores the Honoring Dakota Welcome Home Model, which is an inclusive and holistic framework designed to guide all programming events towards realizing our mission and vision.  And offered as part of Red Wing Art’s monthly “Community Saturday” artmaking program.

This drop-in event is free and open to the public.