Throughout history, the year’s longest day of sunlight has been noted and celebrated by many cultures around the world. Summer solstice, which happens each year around June 21, is a time-honored tradition that brings a period of celebration worldwide.

Did you know that the Dakota people have harvested maple sap for centuries? Originally, maple sap was harvested from groups of sugar maple trees (also known as sugarbushes) throughout Minnesota and areas with similar climates. The sap was collected between mid-March and mid-April. Dakota people would cut through the tree’s bark with an axe and...

This month, we celebrate Women’s History Month and the many contributions to society made by women throughout time. Here at the SMSC, we have many women leaders that help push the tribe forward. For example, Secretary/Treasurer Rebecca Crooks-Stratton not only serves on the SMSC Business Council, but also heads the SMSC’s Understand Native Minnesota campaign,...

The moon is essential to life as we know it. Traditionally, the Dakota used the moon to determine the passing of time. A name was given to the moon each month to symbolize significant events that were important to survival and food gathering.