Welcome Home Model

The Honoring Dakota Project Welcome Home Model is an inclusive and holistic framework designed to guide all programming events towards realizing our mission and vision. At its core, the model is centered around the concept of Mitakuye Owasin—the idea that we are all related and integral parts of the interconnected web of life. By acknowledging the inherent wisdom and value of all our relatives, including nature, we strive to create a community where each relative is seen as a precious gift. Through fostering self-sovereignty, we aim to support individuals in feeling at home within themselves, thereby enhancing collective belonging and security. Our model incorporates the expansion and contraction of circles, representing the dynamic movement between safe and brave spaces, which are bolstered by strong community ties and resources.

Offering a variety of programs and community engagements catering to different learning styles ensures that all individuals have equal opportunities to engage and succeed, regardless of their preferred method of learning. This approach deeply values community knowledge keepers by acknowledging and integrating their wisdom and experiences, thus enriching the educational landscape and fostering a more inclusive environment.

With a focus on Dakota leadership, youth engagement, diverse resources, partnerships, and inclusive learning, the HDP Welcome Home Model serves as a blueprint for nurturing a resilient, culturally rich, and harmonious and resilient community of care.